CRANIOFACIAL ANATOMY AND FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION
by Gloria Nusse
January 12 – February 6, 2026 Virtual Book Tour
Synopsis:
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.
Partners in Crime Presents: Gloria Nusse, Forensic Anatomy in Action
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.
Catch Up With Gloria Nusse:
Tour Participant Reviews:
‘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.’
~ Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
‘Readers recognize and appreciate realism and suspense in well developed mystery fiction. As writers, we build credibility through accuracy in details, and we get those details through works like those by Gloria Nusse. Good writing demands authentic details. Writers of medical thrillers, police procedurals, legal drama, detective fiction, and even science fiction will find this text an invaluable reference for their work.’
~ Dogs, Mysteries, & More
‘Craniofacial Anatomy and Forensic Identification is a visually rich atlas that bridges science and art with remarkable accuracy. As a world-renowned forensic artist and scientific illustrator, Nusse writes with the authority of a scientist and the sensitivity of an artist. Her explanations are precise yet accessible, reflecting deep respect for both disciplines.’
~ SA Examiner
‘As a crime fiction writer, the idea that our bodies record what happens to us physically throughout our lives is fascinating. I will be investing my police procedurals with much more detailed information from the medical examiner! I can’t wait to get back to the next book, where I can show such wonderfully rich evidence about a character from something as simple as their pelvic bones. All the wonderful and accurate details make this book worthwhile for a writer, especially a crime writer… I know I’ll be returning to these pages again and again for inspiration.’
~ The Mystery of Writing
‘A great resource for all… If you are interested in forensic investigations this is the book for you for sure! I really enjoyed reading this one as when I was a younger woman I wanted to go into the world of forensic investigation but never did, I now know a little more about the subject after reading this one!’
~ Country Mamas With Kids
‘From the very first pages, I was captivated by how Nusse combines science and art. Her background as a forensic artist, scientific illustrator, and anatomist gives her a rare perspective, and it shows in every chapter. Reading this gave me a new appreciation not only for forensic science but for the incredible skill and empathy behind it. It also deepened my understanding of what I see portrayed in crime dramas and what is usually left out.’
~ Hott Books
‘Author Gloria Nusse combines her knowledge of anthropology with artistic skills to break down key concepts regarding facial identification. Even for the casual reader, the various images serve as points of interest, particularly when the author describes the changing face as it ages. The detailed illustrations are high-quality, helping to reinforce the content.’
~ Novels Alive
‘Riveting dive into the structure and mechanics of the human body and how to use this information to recreate the identity of the deceased. While the book covers the nuts and bolts and the step-by-step process of the author’s work, it is as compelling as it is practical. The book would be great as a one-time deep dive or as a source to be consulted over and over again.’
~ Guatemala Paula Loves to Read
‘Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. I found the entire book absolutely fascinating. The section on facial proportions particularly stood out to me because it directly connects to my own work drawing and painting faces. Every feature—the nose, eyes, even the ears—is completely unique to each person… these details tell not only the story of a person’s death, but also the story of their life. This book is very thorough and filled with drawings, photographs, comparisons, graphs, and several case studies that I found both helpful and compelling. No matter your reason for picking up this book—whether for writing, art, medical interest, or pure curiosity—I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.’
~ Wall-to-wall Books
‘I’ve always been fascinated by forensic science, and this book gave me a very good understanding of how difficult but intriguing the art of reconstructing the face of someone from literal bones is.’
~ aratecla_the_bookrat
‘I actually loved learning everything this book had to offer from the anatomy in a finer detail than i ever learned at school all the way to those bits of techniques for brining the faces to life. I found Gloria Nusse’s writing style really easy to engage with and honestly so easy to read. If your like me and love to learn then i think youll find this book as fascinating as i did and its defiantly worth the read.’
~ One More Chapter
‘Informative, thought-provoking, and easy to follow, Craniofacial Anatomy and Forensic Identification should be the go-to guide for anyone in the anatomy or forensic anthropology fields, thriller readers and writers, artists looking to deepen their grasp on the cranium, or those just interested in increasing their knowledge base about forensics.’
~ suspenseisthrillingme
Tour Host Info:
Book Formats: ePub, Print
Hosting Options: Review, Interview, Guest Post, Showcase
Giveaway: There will be a tour-wide PICT Giveaway
More: According to the author Craniofacial Anatomy and Forensic Identification does not include: Excessive Strong Language, Graphic Violence, Explicit Sexual Scenes, or Rape. However, readers may encounter content that is considered to be another trigger situation. Generally the content is considered to be no more than Clinically R-rated content. At this time, PICT staff have not yet read this book and cannot give additional information.
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