Book Reviews from an Avid Reader: Craniofacial Anatomy and Forensic Identification by Gloria Nusse Blog Tour Book Review

Monday, January 12, 2026

Craniofacial Anatomy and Forensic Identification by Gloria Nusse Blog Tour Book Review

CRANIOFACIAL ANATOMY AND FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

by Gloria Nusse

January 12 - February 6, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

Craniofacial Anatomy and Forensic Identification by Gloria Nusse

Our bodies record what happens to us physically throughout our lives. This is illustrated by the simple appearance of scars from injuries sustained years, and even decades ago. Evidence such as scars also tells us how we used our joints or may have injured them as children and adults. Our bodies conform to the environment in which we live, both outside and inside. By examining and observing these key clues, a forensic investigator can reveal the unique character that tells the story of a person’s life and death.

Craniofacial Anatomy and Forensic Identification is an atlas that covers all aspects of facial reconstruction and anatomy of the head and neck, such as facial expression and the anatomic basis for facial development, along with the effects of muscle movement. Written by a world-renowned forensic artist with decades of experience as a scientific illustrator as well as a portraitist, anthropologist, and lecturer in anatomy and biology, the author is as much a scientist as an artist.

Comprehensively addresses the history o facial reconstruction, facial development, muscle movements, and bone physiology used by forensic artists and forensic anthropologists

Demonstrates techniques in mold making and sculpting to bring the body to life

Includes images from cadaver labs and recent case studies

Provides detailed anatomy of vessels and nerves found in the face including the eyes

Details the muscles, ligaments and tissues down to the skull

Describes the changing face as it ages

My Review:

If you ever wondered how the recovery of a skeleton could lead to the its identification and the possible resolution of a cold case, you'll find your answer here. Nusse shares her own experiences as she explains the work toward identification. There are plenty of illustrations and charts included. There is a wealth of information for authors who might have skeleton recovery as part of a plot or feature a forensic artist or anthropologist as a character.

There are other tidbits of information for authors too. Nusse notes that our earliest memories are probably of smell. (104) Smell is also very important to memory in general and she suggests that the beginning of an interview for witness testimony may best begin by asking about what one smelled. (106) A surprise to me was the use of the ear in identification as its form changes only slightly during life. (89)

This is a very informative book for anyone interested in the forensic work of identification. Nusse gives examples of her own cases to explain how the work is done, cold cases solved, victims identified.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Book Details:

Genre: Non-Fiction, True Crime,
Published by: Academic Press
Publication Date: October 13, 2022
Number of Pages: 302
ISBN: 9780128092880 (ISBN10: 0128092882)
Audience: Forensic Anthropologists, Forensic Artists, Medico-legal Professionals, Forensic Scientists. Graduate Students, Law Enforcement Agencies, and Legal Professionals. Anyone Working In The Field Of Facial Imaging.
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | ThriftBooks | Goodreads | ScienceDirect | Walmart | Elsevier

Author Bio:

Gloria Nusse is a forensic artist, anatomist and anthropologist. She has aided in identification of unidentified remains and return 14 plus persons to their families. As well she has recreated the faces of ancient peoples of the Middle East, as well as recreations of the crystal skull for National Geographic among others. Her work has been featured on 48 Hours, Forensic Files, Dateline, National Geographic specials, Unsolved History and others. She worked as a scientific artist for over 35 years and has taught human dissection and anatomy at San Francisco State University for 12 years. ( currently Emeritus)

She has authored and co-authored several journal articles and chapters for various publications. She was the invited speaker for the Chalmers Historical Address for the Association of Oral and Maxillary surgeons meeting in 2013.

As well she has taught many workshops for professionals, including the FBI.

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