18 Tiny Deaths: The Untold Story of the Woman Who Invented Modern Forensics

A forgotten woman. A revolutionary idea. The true story behind the birth of modern forensic science.

In a time when women were shut out of science and police work was more art than evidence, Frances Glessner Lee created the "Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death"―detailed dioramas used to train homicide detectives how to observe, think critically, and solve complex cases.

18 Tiny Deaths by Bruce Goldfarb is the gripping, critically acclaimed biography of the woman who became known as the mother of forensic science. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Goldfarb captures how Lee defied gender barriers and reshaped a field long dominated by men.

"Devotees of TV's CSI will have their minds blown." ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED review

Why readers are hooked:

• A true crime story told through justice, resilience, and innovation
• A hidden history that reads like a forensic thriller
• A tribute to one woman's relentless pursuit of truth and impact

If you're drawn to real-life trailblazers, forensic breakthroughs, or hidden women in history, 18 Tiny Deaths delivers a powerful, unforgettable read.

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.