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The Forever Witness: How Genetic Genealogy Solved a Cold Case Double Murder
“Thought-provoking true-crime thriller…the book raises urgent questions of balancing public and private good that we’ll likely be dealing with as long as the title implies.”—Wall Street Journal
A relentless detective and a civilian genealogist solve a haunting cold case—and launch a crime-fighting revolution that tests the fragile line between justice and privacy.
In November 1987, a young couple from the idyllic suburbs of Vancouver Island on an overnight trip to Seattle vanished without a trace. A week later, the bodies of Tanya Van Cuylenborg and her boyfriend Jay Cook were found in rural Washington. It was a brutal crime, and it was the perfect crime: With few clues and no witnesses in the vast and foreboding Olympic Peninsula, an international manhunt turned up empty, and the sensational case that shocked the Pacific Northwest gradually slipped from the headlines.
In deep-freeze, long-term storage, biological evidence from the crime sat waiting, as Detective Jim Scharf poured over old case files looking for clues his predecessors missed. Meanwhile, 1,200 miles away in California, CeCe Moore began her lifelong fascination with genetic genealogy, a powerful forensic tool that emerged not from the crime lab, but through the wildly popular home DNA ancestry tests purchased by more than 40 million Americans. When Scharf decided to send the cold case’s decades-old DNA to Parabon NanoLabs, he hoped he would finally bring closure to the Van Cuylenborg and Cook families. He didn’t know that he and Moore would make history.
Genetic genealogy, long the province of family tree hobbyists and adoptees seeking their birth families, has made headlines as a cold case solution machine, capable of exposing the darkest secrets of seemingly upstanding citizens. In the hands of a tenacious detective like Scharf, genetic genealogy has solved one baffling killing after another. But as this crime-fighting technique spreads, its sheer power has sparked a national debate: Can we use DNA to catch the murderers among us, yet still protect our last shred of privacy in the digital age—the right to the very blueprint of who we are?
A relentless detective and a civilian genealogist solve a haunting cold case—and launch a crime-fighting revolution that tests the fragile line between justice and privacy.
In November 1987, a young couple from the idyllic suburbs of Vancouver Island on an overnight trip to Seattle vanished without a trace. A week later, the bodies of Tanya Van Cuylenborg and her boyfriend Jay Cook were found in rural Washington. It was a brutal crime, and it was the perfect crime: With few clues and no witnesses in the vast and foreboding Olympic Peninsula, an international manhunt turned up empty, and the sensational case that shocked the Pacific Northwest gradually slipped from the headlines.
In deep-freeze, long-term storage, biological evidence from the crime sat waiting, as Detective Jim Scharf poured over old case files looking for clues his predecessors missed. Meanwhile, 1,200 miles away in California, CeCe Moore began her lifelong fascination with genetic genealogy, a powerful forensic tool that emerged not from the crime lab, but through the wildly popular home DNA ancestry tests purchased by more than 40 million Americans. When Scharf decided to send the cold case’s decades-old DNA to Parabon NanoLabs, he hoped he would finally bring closure to the Van Cuylenborg and Cook families. He didn’t know that he and Moore would make history.
Genetic genealogy, long the province of family tree hobbyists and adoptees seeking their birth families, has made headlines as a cold case solution machine, capable of exposing the darkest secrets of seemingly upstanding citizens. In the hands of a tenacious detective like Scharf, genetic genealogy has solved one baffling killing after another. But as this crime-fighting technique spreads, its sheer power has sparked a national debate: Can we use DNA to catch the murderers among us, yet still protect our last shred of privacy in the digital age—the right to the very blueprint of who we are?
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First published November 9, 2022
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About the author
Edward Humes
21 books278 followersEdward Humes is a Southern California author, journalist and writing teacher whose most recent nonfiction book is “The Forever Witness.” His next book, “Total Garbage: How to Fix Our Waste and Heal Our World,” will be published in time for Earth Day 2024. He shares his home office with a pair of rescued racing greyhounds, Valiant and Dottie.
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November 21, 2022
The Forever Witness: How DNA and Genealogy Solved a Cold Case Double Murder
by Edward Humes is a suspenseful, riveting true crime book that combines great storytelling, cold case investigations, technological advances, and genetic genealogy in a captivating crime read. In November 1987, Tanya Van Cuylenborg and her boyfriend Jay Cook leave on an overnight trip to Seattle. They vanish until a week later when their bodies are found in rural Washington. The brutal crime leaves few clues and an international manhunt turns up empty. The case and evidence eventually goes into long-term storage until thirty plus years later when Detective Jim Scharf looks at the case files hoping to find new clues that were missed in the original investigation.
The prologue gets one’s heart racing and immediately pulls readers into what is happening. Then readers get a look at the case from the beginning including the pieces of the puzzle that Detective Scharf and his team pull together of the trip taken by the young couple, the struggle the families had to get the police involved initially, and the original investigation, as well as the next steps Scharf takes.
Humes provides the latest information on their case at the time of writing the book. This includes using DNA advances to help identify suspects as well as re-interviewing people, looking for missed opportunities in the original investigation, looking at other ways to identify a suspect, and much more. Detective Scharf contacts various genealogists for help including CeCe Moore.
Meanwhile there is a discussion of technological advances in police investigations, including those involving DNA, ranging from DNA fingerprints to a national DNA database known as the Combined DNA Index System.
However, more is also occurring in the realm of DNA, with DNA matching originating from amateur genealogists searching for their roots. This includes CeCe Moore, who has had a fascination with genetic genealogy and how it can be used, not just for family tree hobbyists and adoptees hoping to find their birth parents, but also for solving cold cases.
Additionally, Parabon, a firm in Virginia, says it has the capability of creating genetic mugshots. The book covers the use of genetic mugshots and genetic genealogy in Jay and Tanya’s case and how CeCe Moore and Parabon work together to identify a suspect. There’s a fascinating discussion of the proponents and opponents to using genetic genealogy as a crime-fighting technique among genealogists, police organizations, keepers of genetic databases, and privacy advocates.
Overall, this story is startling, horrifying, thought provoking, and emotional. The author has a notes section at the end that explains who was interviewed and the sources of information used to construct this true crime story. Additionally, the author does a great job of explaining the science and the controversies in terms that can be easily understood. Those that enjoy well-written and suspenseful true crime and books involving genealogy or DNA will likely find this an amazing story.
PENGUIN GROUP Dutton and Edward Humes provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 29, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------------
My 4.56 rounded to 5 stars review will be coming soon.
The prologue gets one’s heart racing and immediately pulls readers into what is happening. Then readers get a look at the case from the beginning including the pieces of the puzzle that Detective Scharf and his team pull together of the trip taken by the young couple, the struggle the families had to get the police involved initially, and the original investigation, as well as the next steps Scharf takes.
Humes provides the latest information on their case at the time of writing the book. This includes using DNA advances to help identify suspects as well as re-interviewing people, looking for missed opportunities in the original investigation, looking at other ways to identify a suspect, and much more. Detective Scharf contacts various genealogists for help including CeCe Moore.
Meanwhile there is a discussion of technological advances in police investigations, including those involving DNA, ranging from DNA fingerprints to a national DNA database known as the Combined DNA Index System.
However, more is also occurring in the realm of DNA, with DNA matching originating from amateur genealogists searching for their roots. This includes CeCe Moore, who has had a fascination with genetic genealogy and how it can be used, not just for family tree hobbyists and adoptees hoping to find their birth parents, but also for solving cold cases.
Additionally, Parabon, a firm in Virginia, says it has the capability of creating genetic mugshots. The book covers the use of genetic mugshots and genetic genealogy in Jay and Tanya’s case and how CeCe Moore and Parabon work together to identify a suspect. There’s a fascinating discussion of the proponents and opponents to using genetic genealogy as a crime-fighting technique among genealogists, police organizations, keepers of genetic databases, and privacy advocates.
Overall, this story is startling, horrifying, thought provoking, and emotional. The author has a notes section at the end that explains who was interviewed and the sources of information used to construct this true crime story. Additionally, the author does a great job of explaining the science and the controversies in terms that can be easily understood. Those that enjoy well-written and suspenseful true crime and books involving genealogy or DNA will likely find this an amazing story.
PENGUIN GROUP Dutton and Edward Humes provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 29, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------------
My 4.56 rounded to 5 stars review will be coming soon.
April 18, 2025
At first glance, The Forever Witness: How Genetic Genealogy Solved a Cold Case Double Murder may look like your typical True Crime story, but it's more than that.
This nonfiction account is actually an examination of the history and use of the science of DNA evidence in criminal investigation. More specifically, this story explores the changes that occurred once consumer DNA services hit the market with great gusto in 2007.
DNA evidence was of course used prior to that time, but it was much more limited in reach. In the early-90s the FBI developed their CODIS system as a pilot program and by the end of the decade it was the go-to source for criminal investigators.
However, for countless cases this system was unhelpful, as the perpetrators of the crimes in question were never in a situation where their DNA would have been collected and added to the system.
Regardless of that fact, biological samples from crime scenes were meticulously collected and stored over the years, mostly in the hopes that technology would advance to the point that it would one day prove helpful.
That's exactly what happened in the case that this book recounts. In the 1980s, Tanya Van Cuylenborg and Jay Cook were brutally murdered during a trip to Seattle.
The young couple, loved by many and known to be very reliable, were reported missing by their families when they were unreachable after the time they were expected to return home from their trip.
Tanya and Jay's bodies, as well as the van they were traveling in, are all eventually discovered, although in three separate locations. It was clear that Tanya had been raped. Physical and biological evidence was painstakingly collected, but turned up no viable leads. The case went cold and remained so for many years.
Regardless of how much time passed, however, lead Detective Jim Scharf never forgot Tanya or Jay. Little did he know, that decades later after consumer DNA testing services like 23andMe, and shows like Finding Your Roots would shoot through the roof in popularity, he would be able to ride that wave all the way to answers.
This is such an incredibly well-written book. Humes did an great job of presenting not only the history behind the use of DNA technology in criminal investigation, but also in recounting the case of Tanya and Jay with the care and grace that they deserve.
The author showed so much consideration when recounting not just what happened to them on that fateful day, but also in exposing the life-long repercussions that crime had on all who loved them, including Detective Scharf.
This did explore some interesting ethical issues arising from the use of Genetic Genealogy by Criminal Investigators as well; particularly towards the end of the book. It did provide plenty of food for thought and is a topic that definitely doesn't get enough discussion or consideration in mainstream media.
I would absolutely recommend this to anyone, particularly those who are interested in criminal investigations and the American criminal justice system in general.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Dutton, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I would love to read more from Edward Humes. I was truly impressed with how he presented this entire story. Well done!
This nonfiction account is actually an examination of the history and use of the science of DNA evidence in criminal investigation. More specifically, this story explores the changes that occurred once consumer DNA services hit the market with great gusto in 2007.
DNA evidence was of course used prior to that time, but it was much more limited in reach. In the early-90s the FBI developed their CODIS system as a pilot program and by the end of the decade it was the go-to source for criminal investigators.
However, for countless cases this system was unhelpful, as the perpetrators of the crimes in question were never in a situation where their DNA would have been collected and added to the system.
Regardless of that fact, biological samples from crime scenes were meticulously collected and stored over the years, mostly in the hopes that technology would advance to the point that it would one day prove helpful.
That's exactly what happened in the case that this book recounts. In the 1980s, Tanya Van Cuylenborg and Jay Cook were brutally murdered during a trip to Seattle.
The young couple, loved by many and known to be very reliable, were reported missing by their families when they were unreachable after the time they were expected to return home from their trip.
Tanya and Jay's bodies, as well as the van they were traveling in, are all eventually discovered, although in three separate locations. It was clear that Tanya had been raped. Physical and biological evidence was painstakingly collected, but turned up no viable leads. The case went cold and remained so for many years.
Regardless of how much time passed, however, lead Detective Jim Scharf never forgot Tanya or Jay. Little did he know, that decades later after consumer DNA testing services like 23andMe, and shows like Finding Your Roots would shoot through the roof in popularity, he would be able to ride that wave all the way to answers.
This is such an incredibly well-written book. Humes did an great job of presenting not only the history behind the use of DNA technology in criminal investigation, but also in recounting the case of Tanya and Jay with the care and grace that they deserve.
The author showed so much consideration when recounting not just what happened to them on that fateful day, but also in exposing the life-long repercussions that crime had on all who loved them, including Detective Scharf.
This did explore some interesting ethical issues arising from the use of Genetic Genealogy by Criminal Investigators as well; particularly towards the end of the book. It did provide plenty of food for thought and is a topic that definitely doesn't get enough discussion or consideration in mainstream media.
I would absolutely recommend this to anyone, particularly those who are interested in criminal investigations and the American criminal justice system in general.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Dutton, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I would love to read more from Edward Humes. I was truly impressed with how he presented this entire story. Well done!
February 8, 2025
Could. Not. Put. It. Down.
Edward Humes is a terrific author. I read Burned: A Story of a Murder and the Crime that Wasn't and Force of Nature: The Unlikely Story of Wal-Mart's Green Revolution before reading The Forever Witness: How Genetic Genealogy Solved a Cold Case Double Murder. His nonfiction writing style includes thorough research that is woven into an incredibly captivating storytelling narrative.
In 1987, eighteen-year-old Tanya Van Cuylenborg, and her twenty-two-year-old boyfriend, Jay Cook, were discovered dead in two remote locations in Washington state. The case made headlines, and an international search ensued since the two victims were Canadians.
The case turned cold until almost thirty years later when Detective Jim Scharf evaluated the old files. Genetic genealogy had been used to create a family tree for the Golden State Killer and a suspect had been arrested. The next case to use genetic genealogy was the case about Tanya and Jay's murders. It took two days to determine the suspect.
Humes describes the controversial issues around genetic genealogy and whether it should be used by law enforcement to solve cold and current cases.
Highly recommend!!
Edward Humes is a terrific author. I read Burned: A Story of a Murder and the Crime that Wasn't and Force of Nature: The Unlikely Story of Wal-Mart's Green Revolution before reading The Forever Witness: How Genetic Genealogy Solved a Cold Case Double Murder. His nonfiction writing style includes thorough research that is woven into an incredibly captivating storytelling narrative.
In 1987, eighteen-year-old Tanya Van Cuylenborg, and her twenty-two-year-old boyfriend, Jay Cook, were discovered dead in two remote locations in Washington state. The case made headlines, and an international search ensued since the two victims were Canadians.
The case turned cold until almost thirty years later when Detective Jim Scharf evaluated the old files. Genetic genealogy had been used to create a family tree for the Golden State Killer and a suspect had been arrested. The next case to use genetic genealogy was the case about Tanya and Jay's murders. It took two days to determine the suspect.
Humes describes the controversial issues around genetic genealogy and whether it should be used by law enforcement to solve cold and current cases.
Highly recommend!!
December 2, 2022
3.5 stars
Although I really liked this true crime account of cold case murders being solved by genetic genealogy, there were some times it got very tedious and overly detailed with the ins and outs of the process.
The main case this book is centered on, which is what captured my interest, was the case of two Canadian teenagers, Tanya and Jay, who in 1987 had traveled from BC to Washington state to pick up a furnace part, and disappeared. They were later found murdered and Tanya was sexually assaulted. It took over 30 years, but the culprit was eventually identified through DNA using the various databases available to researchers.
The core mystery was very fascinating, and how the detectives eventually found the person who did it really intrigued me. There were also other cases along the way that were solved using this and similar technology, and the accounts of those were also very interesting. Where the book kind of lost me was in the details of how everything works and the minutiae of the ethics involved. I can understand why this needs to be explored, but the book got a little long for me when talking about the various databases and privacy rules and terms and conditions, etc.
I did like and appreciate that this book covered cases that I had not read about in other true crime accounts featuring genetic genealogy (with the exception of the Golden State Killer, but that wasn't overly focused on here, it was more just mentioned in passing a few times). Learning how DNA can be used to create a digital mug shot and how those have been used to lead detectives to culprits is mind blowing.
Unfortunately, the Tanya and Jay case is still not fully resolved. The convicted murderer had his sentence overturned and the case is going to the state Supreme Court. It was disappointing for me to read that, because I wanted justice for these poor kids and what they endured.
Overall this is an interesting and intriguing book with a different angle. Modern technology is astounding and if things have changed this much in thirty years, imagine what crime solving will be like in thirty more years.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Although I really liked this true crime account of cold case murders being solved by genetic genealogy, there were some times it got very tedious and overly detailed with the ins and outs of the process.
The main case this book is centered on, which is what captured my interest, was the case of two Canadian teenagers, Tanya and Jay, who in 1987 had traveled from BC to Washington state to pick up a furnace part, and disappeared. They were later found murdered and Tanya was sexually assaulted. It took over 30 years, but the culprit was eventually identified through DNA using the various databases available to researchers.
The core mystery was very fascinating, and how the detectives eventually found the person who did it really intrigued me. There were also other cases along the way that were solved using this and similar technology, and the accounts of those were also very interesting. Where the book kind of lost me was in the details of how everything works and the minutiae of the ethics involved. I can understand why this needs to be explored, but the book got a little long for me when talking about the various databases and privacy rules and terms and conditions, etc.
I did like and appreciate that this book covered cases that I had not read about in other true crime accounts featuring genetic genealogy (with the exception of the Golden State Killer, but that wasn't overly focused on here, it was more just mentioned in passing a few times). Learning how DNA can be used to create a digital mug shot and how those have been used to lead detectives to culprits is mind blowing.
Unfortunately, the Tanya and Jay case is still not fully resolved. The convicted murderer had his sentence overturned and the case is going to the state Supreme Court. It was disappointing for me to read that, because I wanted justice for these poor kids and what they endured.
Overall this is an interesting and intriguing book with a different angle. Modern technology is astounding and if things have changed this much in thirty years, imagine what crime solving will be like in thirty more years.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
March 14, 2023
Compelling true crime, a page turner. In 1987 18-year-old Tanya Van Cuylenborg and her 20-year-old boyfriend Jay Cook drove from Victoria British Columbia to Seattle Washington, planning to return the next day. They never returned. A week later their bodies were found in separate locations in rural areas about 60 miles north of Seattle. Tanya had been raped and murdered and Jay had been murdered. The killer wasn’t identified and the case went cold. Over twenty years later Jim Scharf, a Snohomish County detective began looking into the case again. He made little progress. He had the killer’s DNA from the crime scene, but he didn’t have a suspect.
Scharf enlisted the help of CeCe Moore, a leading figure in the new field of genetic genealogy. With the establishment of public DNA data bases it was now possible see who showed up as a match or more likely a partial match from a family member. From there using records to trace the extended family possible suspects were identified. One stood out and Scharf had him tracked to collect his DNA. It was taken form a coffee cup the suspect tossed out of his truck window. The DNA matched! It was 2018, thirty years since the murders and Scharf was confident, he had the killer. But a lot of work remained to make a strong case. The case would take some legal twists, the latest decision just coming down December 23, 2022 from the Washington State Supreme Court after the book was published.
An important part of the book is Humes’ exploration of the controversies about using DNA from public data bases in criminal cases. Is the privacy of those who had voluntarily submitted their data for their own personal reasons being wrongfully compromised by using it this way without asking for their permission. Relying on people to opt in doesn’t generate a large enough data base to be useful, severely limiting it as a resource to catch and convict violent criminals. What is the balance between catching murderers and rapists, as well as exonerating the wrongfully accused or convicted, and the right to privacy? Certainly, oversight of the police is needed, but how should it be implemented? Laws and regulations around this issue are just beginning to appear. Humes’ discussion takes away from the drama of the crime and investigation that is so well depicted, but I found it very enlightening. Highly recommended.
Scharf enlisted the help of CeCe Moore, a leading figure in the new field of genetic genealogy. With the establishment of public DNA data bases it was now possible see who showed up as a match or more likely a partial match from a family member. From there using records to trace the extended family possible suspects were identified. One stood out and Scharf had him tracked to collect his DNA. It was taken form a coffee cup the suspect tossed out of his truck window. The DNA matched! It was 2018, thirty years since the murders and Scharf was confident, he had the killer. But a lot of work remained to make a strong case. The case would take some legal twists, the latest decision just coming down December 23, 2022 from the Washington State Supreme Court after the book was published.
An important part of the book is Humes’ exploration of the controversies about using DNA from public data bases in criminal cases. Is the privacy of those who had voluntarily submitted their data for their own personal reasons being wrongfully compromised by using it this way without asking for their permission. Relying on people to opt in doesn’t generate a large enough data base to be useful, severely limiting it as a resource to catch and convict violent criminals. What is the balance between catching murderers and rapists, as well as exonerating the wrongfully accused or convicted, and the right to privacy? Certainly, oversight of the police is needed, but how should it be implemented? Laws and regulations around this issue are just beginning to appear. Humes’ discussion takes away from the drama of the crime and investigation that is so well depicted, but I found it very enlightening. Highly recommended.
February 13, 2023
Tanya Van Cuylenborg and Jay Cook were just beginning their lives and ready to see the world when they were murdered. Their case ran cold with little evidence, but over 30 years later there are finally some answers.
The technological advances that are made every day really amaze me. I found this to be well researched giving us an in depth count of genetic genealogy and the controversy behind it.
I was able to listen to a final version as well. It was narrated by the author for 10 hours and 26 minutes. His voice was perfect for a true crime read.
*Thanks to Edward Humes, Penguin Group Dutton and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
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The technological advances that are made every day really amaze me. I found this to be well researched giving us an in depth count of genetic genealogy and the controversy behind it.
I was able to listen to a final version as well. It was narrated by the author for 10 hours and 26 minutes. His voice was perfect for a true crime read.
*Thanks to Edward Humes, Penguin Group Dutton and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
October 10, 2022
I already enjoy the writing of Edward Humes, and this book was another good one. The cold case behind this story seemed familiar once I got into it. A young Canadian couple disappeared in November of 1987 on a trip to Seattle to pick up furnace parts. When detective Jim Scharf delves into the cold case decades later, he’s determined to make a difference. Then add Cece Moore, who came up with a method to use genetic genealogy to help narrow down suspects for law enforcement, and magic happened. Loved this true crime book, though it does make you think about the issues around the databases for genealogy sites, and how private they should be about sharing their info.
December 16, 2022
I was familiar with the Jay Cook and Tanya Van Cuylenborg murders from watching their segment on one of my favorite shows, Unsolved Mysteries. When I saw that there was a book coming out about how the police were finally able to solve this case with a big assist from genetic genealogy, it immediately went on my to read shelf.
Suffice it to say, it didn't disappoint. This is such a new and promising field, especially for cold case investigators. We may now have the final pieces to be able to find not only the identity of these John and Jane Does, but have the means to track down these elusive killers that have long evaded justice. A fascinating read and definite recommend.
Suffice it to say, it didn't disappoint. This is such a new and promising field, especially for cold case investigators. We may now have the final pieces to be able to find not only the identity of these John and Jane Does, but have the means to track down these elusive killers that have long evaded justice. A fascinating read and definite recommend.
March 7, 2023
Very good, as far as true crime audio goes. This being a local case, and prosecuted at my workplace, it was wild to hear the drama of the jury deliberations knowing I was in the same building! Glad they finally got justice. This person should've been stopped earlier, judging from the stuff going on in the family home.
February 19, 2023
Fascinating true crime.
"Genetic genealogy...was the source that never lied, never faded with time, never forgot. It was the forever witness."
The murdered bodies of Tanya Van Cuylenborg and her boyfriend, Jay Cook, were found separately in isolated parts of Washington State in November, 1987. The lack of clues hampered the investigation and eventually the case went dormant without new leads. Decades later, in 2018, Detective Jim Scharf working the cold case in Snohomish County, Washington, would team up with genetic genealogist, CeCe Moore, to identify the killer. The man, William Talbott II, was subsequently tried and convicted using this new and powerful forensic tool -- but it has been widely misunderstood.
Along with details about the Cuylenborg/Cook case, the book also focuses on the controversial use of genetic genealogy as a method of fighting crime and identifying criminals. The argument centers on privacy and the rights of those who submit their DNA to both public or private labs. Many of us have willingly put our saliva in a tube and mailed it to one of the ancestry sites looking for information. The question then is whether or not that voluntary surrender implies consent for police or other organizations to search those data bases for their own purposes -- mostly to secure and identify a suspect in a murder or other violent crime. Keep in mind that when you send off your DNA, you are also revealing that of your relatives and mostly without their knowledge or consent. It's definitely an interesting debate, and I know on which side I fall. Several US States have already begun the process of regulating and establishing clearcut laws about using genetic material.
I found the entire book absorbing and extremely interesting. I was not aware of the cold case and was astonished to hear the outcome of the trial and subsequent appeal. I liked the way the author wrote the story of Tanya and Jay and the way the narrative included so much detail that created in me a desire for the couple to get some sort of resolution and ultimately, justice. Sometimes I forget how much I enjoy reading well-written true crime. I recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for this e-book ARC to read and review.
"Genetic genealogy...was the source that never lied, never faded with time, never forgot. It was the forever witness."
The murdered bodies of Tanya Van Cuylenborg and her boyfriend, Jay Cook, were found separately in isolated parts of Washington State in November, 1987. The lack of clues hampered the investigation and eventually the case went dormant without new leads. Decades later, in 2018, Detective Jim Scharf working the cold case in Snohomish County, Washington, would team up with genetic genealogist, CeCe Moore, to identify the killer. The man, William Talbott II, was subsequently tried and convicted using this new and powerful forensic tool -- but it has been widely misunderstood.
Along with details about the Cuylenborg/Cook case, the book also focuses on the controversial use of genetic genealogy as a method of fighting crime and identifying criminals. The argument centers on privacy and the rights of those who submit their DNA to both public or private labs. Many of us have willingly put our saliva in a tube and mailed it to one of the ancestry sites looking for information. The question then is whether or not that voluntary surrender implies consent for police or other organizations to search those data bases for their own purposes -- mostly to secure and identify a suspect in a murder or other violent crime. Keep in mind that when you send off your DNA, you are also revealing that of your relatives and mostly without their knowledge or consent. It's definitely an interesting debate, and I know on which side I fall. Several US States have already begun the process of regulating and establishing clearcut laws about using genetic material.
I found the entire book absorbing and extremely interesting. I was not aware of the cold case and was astonished to hear the outcome of the trial and subsequent appeal. I liked the way the author wrote the story of Tanya and Jay and the way the narrative included so much detail that created in me a desire for the couple to get some sort of resolution and ultimately, justice. Sometimes I forget how much I enjoy reading well-written true crime. I recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for this e-book ARC to read and review.
April 5, 2024
As a case on its own this wouldn't have been as interesting, but combined with the focus on DNA technology and how it's changing, this really worked for me.
The murders of Tanya Van Cuylenborg and Jay Cook in 1987 went unsolved until 2018, when the cold case detective, Jim Scharf, decided to use genetic genealogy on the case, and suddenly within weeks they had a suspect and an arrest. But the suddenness of events in 2018 was based on decades of cold case detecting, and more importantly, the evolution of DNA forensic technology, which Humes traces throughout the book as he simultaneously takes us through investigative updates on the case itself.
The Canadian couple had gone on a business road trip for Jay's parents to deliver a boiler to Seattle from Canada, and it was their first major trip away as a couple. When they didn't deliver the boiler, and didn't return home, their families knew something was terribly wrong, even if police refused to investigate because they hadn't been gone long enough. Tanya and Jay's murders were just two that might have been solved, or prevented, had police not been sticking to the puzzling mandate of not looking for a person before they had been missing 72 hours, despite that time period being the most crucial in missing persons cases.
This is a very standard true crime story, with the added bonus of the history of forensic DNA technology. As mentioned above, that really saved this book for me, bumping it up a full star. It was really interesting to see how and when things evolved, as well as Humes speculating on what will happen in the future in terms of laws regulating the technology.
I'm glad I read this book, but I don't know if I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't already like true crime.
The murders of Tanya Van Cuylenborg and Jay Cook in 1987 went unsolved until 2018, when the cold case detective, Jim Scharf, decided to use genetic genealogy on the case, and suddenly within weeks they had a suspect and an arrest. But the suddenness of events in 2018 was based on decades of cold case detecting, and more importantly, the evolution of DNA forensic technology, which Humes traces throughout the book as he simultaneously takes us through investigative updates on the case itself.
The Canadian couple had gone on a business road trip for Jay's parents to deliver a boiler to Seattle from Canada, and it was their first major trip away as a couple. When they didn't deliver the boiler, and didn't return home, their families knew something was terribly wrong, even if police refused to investigate because they hadn't been gone long enough. Tanya and Jay's murders were just two that might have been solved, or prevented, had police not been sticking to the puzzling mandate of not looking for a person before they had been missing 72 hours, despite that time period being the most crucial in missing persons cases.
This is a very standard true crime story, with the added bonus of the history of forensic DNA technology. As mentioned above, that really saved this book for me, bumping it up a full star. It was really interesting to see how and when things evolved, as well as Humes speculating on what will happen in the future in terms of laws regulating the technology.
I'm glad I read this book, but I don't know if I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't already like true crime.
November 5, 2022
This is a true account of how a 1987 cold case involving the murder of two young Canadians on a road trip in the state of Washington was solved thirty years later by a dogged detective with the assistance of DNA and genetic genealogy.
Humes details the trip the two victims made, the search for them, and the years long investigation. He reports on the limited capabilities of forensics in the 1980s and 90s, along with the progression of advances in the analysis of DNA. Insight is given into how a cold case detective works in identifying suspects. While focusing primarily on this case, there is exploration into additional cases using forensic genealogy.
A well written, engrossing, fast read, Humes writes with humanity in talking about the young couple and their families. Some might find the book over detailed when describing the victims, the trial, the forensic science; I did not. He explains the science and controversy behind DNA matching in criminal investigations in an easily understandable manner.
I enjoyed Humes mention of the queen of true crime novels, Ann Rule. I have always enjoyed her books and found this one to be similar. Fans of true crime podcasts and shows such as Dateline will particularly enjoy this book.
Thanks to #netgalley and #Dutton for the ARC
Humes details the trip the two victims made, the search for them, and the years long investigation. He reports on the limited capabilities of forensics in the 1980s and 90s, along with the progression of advances in the analysis of DNA. Insight is given into how a cold case detective works in identifying suspects. While focusing primarily on this case, there is exploration into additional cases using forensic genealogy.
A well written, engrossing, fast read, Humes writes with humanity in talking about the young couple and their families. Some might find the book over detailed when describing the victims, the trial, the forensic science; I did not. He explains the science and controversy behind DNA matching in criminal investigations in an easily understandable manner.
I enjoyed Humes mention of the queen of true crime novels, Ann Rule. I have always enjoyed her books and found this one to be similar. Fans of true crime podcasts and shows such as Dateline will particularly enjoy this book.
Thanks to #netgalley and #Dutton for the ARC
November 27, 2022
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for gifting me a digital ARC of this intriguing true crime book by Edward Humes - 5 stars!
Tanya Van Cuylenborg and Jay Cook were murdered during a trip to Seattle in the 1980s and detectives had few leads. There was only a single handprint on the outside of the young couple’s van. The detectives assumed Tanya and Jay were victims of a serial killer—but without any leads, the case seemed forever doomed. Detective Jim Scharf couldn't let it go; when he was assigned to the Cold Case Unit, he made it a focus. When new genetic DNA technology came into play, Detective Scharf chose the young couple's case to send for analysis.
While this is definitely a true crime book, discussing all the details of this crime over the 30-year period, it's much more. It's a look into how genetic DNA began and the pioneers who made it happen and made history. It also looks into all the political, legal, and societal ramifications of this new technology and what we risk and gain by uploading our DNA into these genetic databases. It's extremely well researched and fascinating - kudos to all law enforcement officers and genetic researchers who just want to bring a sense of closure and peace to these families.
Tanya Van Cuylenborg and Jay Cook were murdered during a trip to Seattle in the 1980s and detectives had few leads. There was only a single handprint on the outside of the young couple’s van. The detectives assumed Tanya and Jay were victims of a serial killer—but without any leads, the case seemed forever doomed. Detective Jim Scharf couldn't let it go; when he was assigned to the Cold Case Unit, he made it a focus. When new genetic DNA technology came into play, Detective Scharf chose the young couple's case to send for analysis.
While this is definitely a true crime book, discussing all the details of this crime over the 30-year period, it's much more. It's a look into how genetic DNA began and the pioneers who made it happen and made history. It also looks into all the political, legal, and societal ramifications of this new technology and what we risk and gain by uploading our DNA into these genetic databases. It's extremely well researched and fascinating - kudos to all law enforcement officers and genetic researchers who just want to bring a sense of closure and peace to these families.
March 16, 2025
Good book. I love reading/hearing about genetic genealogy. This book meandered a bit but was a compelling read.
This book reminded me of the Bear Brook podcast with the use of genetic genealogy so if you liked that then give this book a read. Alternatively if you liked this book and have not listened to the podcast, give it a listen!
This book reminded me of the Bear Brook podcast with the use of genetic genealogy so if you liked that then give this book a read. Alternatively if you liked this book and have not listened to the podcast, give it a listen!
July 20, 2024
Round this one up to 4.75!
This is a book that answered so many questions for me on the use of genetic genealogy in solving crimes.
Going right on record to say yes, those nasty killers deserve their delayed guilty verdicts.
However,
coming from the personal privacy train that I continue ride on practically by myself these days, this is terrifying practice!
I guess I’m still living pre-1987:
“The gradual, almost silent increase in police forensic mining of these technologies obscures another profound difference between then and now: in 1987, two years before the Berlin Wall came down (Mr. Gorbachev, take down that wall) the shrinking of privacy brought about by forensic analysis of these platforms would have sparked near universal condemnation. Now they are taken as a given, the price of the technological toys we love in the post 9/11 era.”
I think the part that annoys me the most is that the choice was never really mine. The choice belongs to any of my relatives including those sisters of mine who have all jumped on the 23 and me train.
If you are one of the not afraid people this is for you:
“People are giving away the keys to stuff even they may not know about themselves to profit-making companies who answer only to their shareholders.”
“What would that data be worth to an insurance company looking to deny coverage….to screen potential hires…political operatives, domestic and foreign spies, to those who would blackmail leaders or manipulate and game an election?”
The state of Maryland seems to be on the right track with a new law adopted in 2021 which requires judicial oversight. Police have to exhaust conventional investigative methods and CODIS before seeking a judge’s permission and then only for very serious offenses.
Besides the science presented here, this was a fascinating story of Washington state serial killers and spree killers and the 1987 young Canadian couple brutally murdered and the detective that wouldn’t let it go.
My takeaways:
There are a lot of serial killers in Washington state.
Don’t move to Washington.
The Tube Sock Killer is still out there.
Probably avoid killing anyone because it’s very hard to get away with it.
For every evil person out there, there is at least one truly beautiful soul looking out for the Good of the People.
This is a book that answered so many questions for me on the use of genetic genealogy in solving crimes.
Going right on record to say yes, those nasty killers deserve their delayed guilty verdicts.
However,
coming from the personal privacy train that I continue ride on practically by myself these days, this is terrifying practice!
I guess I’m still living pre-1987:
“The gradual, almost silent increase in police forensic mining of these technologies obscures another profound difference between then and now: in 1987, two years before the Berlin Wall came down (Mr. Gorbachev, take down that wall) the shrinking of privacy brought about by forensic analysis of these platforms would have sparked near universal condemnation. Now they are taken as a given, the price of the technological toys we love in the post 9/11 era.”
I think the part that annoys me the most is that the choice was never really mine. The choice belongs to any of my relatives including those sisters of mine who have all jumped on the 23 and me train.
If you are one of the not afraid people this is for you:
“People are giving away the keys to stuff even they may not know about themselves to profit-making companies who answer only to their shareholders.”
“What would that data be worth to an insurance company looking to deny coverage….to screen potential hires…political operatives, domestic and foreign spies, to those who would blackmail leaders or manipulate and game an election?”
The state of Maryland seems to be on the right track with a new law adopted in 2021 which requires judicial oversight. Police have to exhaust conventional investigative methods and CODIS before seeking a judge’s permission and then only for very serious offenses.
Besides the science presented here, this was a fascinating story of Washington state serial killers and spree killers and the 1987 young Canadian couple brutally murdered and the detective that wouldn’t let it go.
My takeaways:
There are a lot of serial killers in Washington state.
Don’t move to Washington.
The Tube Sock Killer is still out there.
Probably avoid killing anyone because it’s very hard to get away with it.
For every evil person out there, there is at least one truly beautiful soul looking out for the Good of the People.
Read
February 5, 2023This was a fascinating story of how genetic genealogy solved the tragic, decades old-murder of a young Canadian couple who headed out on a road trip and were then found dead in the Pacific Northwest. The case went cold and stayed that way for decades.
If you listen to true crime podcasts, you are probably familiar with this new(ish) crime-solving development, in which DNA from cold cases is compared to the DNA that comes from all those 23andMe-type tests that people take (not me, but some of my relatives, so I better watch out....)
There's a science to genetic geneology, and also a lot of old-fashioned deduction, as it's often a distant relative of the criminal who is the match in a DNA database. Genetic genealogists must then use publicly available information to construct multi-generation family trees, combing the leaves and branches to find potential suspects that meet the age and gender profile of the suspect. DNA phenotyping can also take trace DNA, analyze it, and offer the likelihood that the person has a particular skin tone, hair color, eye color, and more.
There are also ethical issues involved that have divided the genealogical community into those who believe that this information should be used to solve violent crimes and give families closure and those who believe that using DNA in this way is a violation of privacy. Some middle ground has been found, and in the last few years, a number of high-profile cold cases have been solved as a result.
Really enjoyed this story, which made an interesting non-fiction change from my usual reading!
Read more of my reviews on JenRyland.com! Let's be friends on Bookstagram!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
If you listen to true crime podcasts, you are probably familiar with this new(ish) crime-solving development, in which DNA from cold cases is compared to the DNA that comes from all those 23andMe-type tests that people take (not me, but some of my relatives, so I better watch out....)
There's a science to genetic geneology, and also a lot of old-fashioned deduction, as it's often a distant relative of the criminal who is the match in a DNA database. Genetic genealogists must then use publicly available information to construct multi-generation family trees, combing the leaves and branches to find potential suspects that meet the age and gender profile of the suspect. DNA phenotyping can also take trace DNA, analyze it, and offer the likelihood that the person has a particular skin tone, hair color, eye color, and more.
There are also ethical issues involved that have divided the genealogical community into those who believe that this information should be used to solve violent crimes and give families closure and those who believe that using DNA in this way is a violation of privacy. Some middle ground has been found, and in the last few years, a number of high-profile cold cases have been solved as a result.
Really enjoyed this story, which made an interesting non-fiction change from my usual reading!
Read more of my reviews on JenRyland.com! Let's be friends on Bookstagram!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
June 13, 2022
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy to read. This book read like a dateline show as it was very wordy and incredibly descriptive. I believe if you are a true crime junkie love Dateline, Unsolved mysteries or are interested in learning more about DNA/genealogy this is up your alley. I enjoyed it as it was incredibly interesting.
November 2, 2022
Loved it! As a true crime junkie, I loved every second of this book. Well-researched, interesting, and informative. I particularly loved the level of detail the author put into explaining the intricacies of how DNA and genealogy are used to solve crimes. I highly recommend it to all true crime non-fiction fans.
Thank you Dutton Books for allowing me to review this arc.
Thank you Dutton Books for allowing me to review this arc.
July 21, 2025
Read October of 2024
Updated review 7/21/25:
This was such a fascinating read and made me think really hard about the pros and cons of genetic genealogy used in criminal cases. On the one hand, this new technology has helped solve so many unsolved crimes and given names and closure to families of John and Jane Does over the decades. But just like anything, it can be used abused and used for other immoral and illegal things. This is someone's genetic DNA that uploads it to see their ancestry or genetic knowledge they themselves want for their own use. That shouldn't be used by the government or other entities without consent. This is also so new it isn't protected by Federal law being passed to keep the use of genetic genealogy constitutional.
There is a main story line of a unsolved murder from 1987 that is being solved in the midst of this new discovery and discussion on the moral implications of the use of it. This story like so many was heartbreaking because it was about two young people in the prime of their lives with a long future in front of them that encountered evil one fateful day with chaotic amounts of evidence. Obviously, without genetic genealogy this crime wouldn't have had the outcome it finally did but there were new hoops to jump through since this technology is so new and not protected.
Very thought provoking and moving and fascinating! If you like true crime, this is one to try!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.
Updated review 7/21/25:
This was such a fascinating read and made me think really hard about the pros and cons of genetic genealogy used in criminal cases. On the one hand, this new technology has helped solve so many unsolved crimes and given names and closure to families of John and Jane Does over the decades. But just like anything, it can be used abused and used for other immoral and illegal things. This is someone's genetic DNA that uploads it to see their ancestry or genetic knowledge they themselves want for their own use. That shouldn't be used by the government or other entities without consent. This is also so new it isn't protected by Federal law being passed to keep the use of genetic genealogy constitutional.
There is a main story line of a unsolved murder from 1987 that is being solved in the midst of this new discovery and discussion on the moral implications of the use of it. This story like so many was heartbreaking because it was about two young people in the prime of their lives with a long future in front of them that encountered evil one fateful day with chaotic amounts of evidence. Obviously, without genetic genealogy this crime wouldn't have had the outcome it finally did but there were new hoops to jump through since this technology is so new and not protected.
Very thought provoking and moving and fascinating! If you like true crime, this is one to try!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.
October 27, 2022
This book ended up being a lot better than I anticipated. I've read a handful of true crime books over the years and most of them had one flaw that I found particularly boring: going into way too much detail about the lives of the victims. I don't mean to sound cold-hearted, but I think most people reading these true crime books wouldn't care about these victims if they weren't, in fact, victims. We are only reading about them because they were murdered and it's that crime that we want to read about. This book does an excellent job balancing background info about the two victims with the interesting aspects of the case.
When we first learn all about Tanya and Jay, the author kept the length just right so I was interested but not overwhelmed or bogged down by useless information. But the case became a cold case fairly early on in the book and I couldn't guess what the rest of the book would be dedicated to. I'm pleased to say that I was very pleasantly surprised. Once the case became cold, the focus of the book shifts to genetic genealogy, the use of databases like those of 23andMe to solve cold cases, and wow that was some interesting stuff.
If I had known originally how much of the book would be about this science-y stuff, I may have been less interested, but because the author had gotten me interested in the murder case to begin with, I was so intrigued by how they were trying to solve it. I found the whole aspect fascinating. And then there was just the right amount of detail about the court case for me to stay perfectly interested all the way through to the end. Sometimes books like this can focus too much on the courtroom scenes, to the point where we readers just want to skip to the end so we don't have to read every lawyer's argument word for word, but again this was just the right amount.
I was pleasantly surprised by every aspect of this book and I look forward to more books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
And just an interesting little tidbit to round things out nicely, these murders happened only a few days after I was born. I promise that didn't influence my review in any way either ;)
When we first learn all about Tanya and Jay, the author kept the length just right so I was interested but not overwhelmed or bogged down by useless information. But the case became a cold case fairly early on in the book and I couldn't guess what the rest of the book would be dedicated to. I'm pleased to say that I was very pleasantly surprised. Once the case became cold, the focus of the book shifts to genetic genealogy, the use of databases like those of 23andMe to solve cold cases, and wow that was some interesting stuff.
If I had known originally how much of the book would be about this science-y stuff, I may have been less interested, but because the author had gotten me interested in the murder case to begin with, I was so intrigued by how they were trying to solve it. I found the whole aspect fascinating. And then there was just the right amount of detail about the court case for me to stay perfectly interested all the way through to the end. Sometimes books like this can focus too much on the courtroom scenes, to the point where we readers just want to skip to the end so we don't have to read every lawyer's argument word for word, but again this was just the right amount.
I was pleasantly surprised by every aspect of this book and I look forward to more books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
And just an interesting little tidbit to round things out nicely, these murders happened only a few days after I was born. I promise that didn't influence my review in any way either ;)
May 10, 2022
Overall: ☆☆☆☆ (4.8)
Research: ☆☆☆☆☆
Synopsis: ☆☆☆☆☆
Entertainment:☆☆☆☆
Voice/writing style:☆☆☆☆☆
Ending:☆☆☆☆
Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Random House, and Edward Humes for an opportunity to read the advanced readers copy of this book.
Many of us have spit in a tube, sealed it up, mailed it, and then awaited the exciting DNA information that becomes the result of our spit in a tube. We may find we are predisposed to certain illnesses. Many of us use it to find our ancestry. Some who are avid, can locate and build entire family trees. But we never think our spit may help police uncover serial killers, rapists, and John or Jane Does.
The Forever Witness, by Edward Humes outlines how one police agency used the new cutting edge techniques to track down the killer is a cold case that had no leads; as well as the taboo topic of do the police have the right to access these public databases with our DNA.
I have read several true crime novels this year, and this by far, is my favorite. I can forsee it staying one of my favorites for the remainder of the year.
Humes does an amazing job of creating a linear timeline of murders, investigation, and trial of Jay Cook's and Tanya Van Cuylenborg's murderer and rapist.
Many true crime novels have a nonlinear outline, causing the author to cover certain topics over and over, over saturating the reader with information about one aspect, and then glancing over other aspects or topics that deserve more discussion
Edward Humes, though, creates such a wonderful timeline, with appropriate information and descriptions throughout the entire book, that makes the reader sometimes forget they are reading a book, and almost believe they are seeing a documentary.
He takes us through the progression of DNA and how it has assisted forensics, and thus, has lead to the newest way of utilizing DNA for investigation purposes, while still in it's infancy.
And while he takes us primarily through one spectacular case in how this new technology is being used, he also covers many similar cases to keep you intrigued throughout the book.
The research was superb, the writing style phenomenal, and all true crime lovers should read this book.
Research: ☆☆☆☆☆
Synopsis: ☆☆☆☆☆
Entertainment:☆☆☆☆
Voice/writing style:☆☆☆☆☆
Ending:☆☆☆☆
Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Random House, and Edward Humes for an opportunity to read the advanced readers copy of this book.
Many of us have spit in a tube, sealed it up, mailed it, and then awaited the exciting DNA information that becomes the result of our spit in a tube. We may find we are predisposed to certain illnesses. Many of us use it to find our ancestry. Some who are avid, can locate and build entire family trees. But we never think our spit may help police uncover serial killers, rapists, and John or Jane Does.
The Forever Witness, by Edward Humes outlines how one police agency used the new cutting edge techniques to track down the killer is a cold case that had no leads; as well as the taboo topic of do the police have the right to access these public databases with our DNA.
I have read several true crime novels this year, and this by far, is my favorite. I can forsee it staying one of my favorites for the remainder of the year.
Humes does an amazing job of creating a linear timeline of murders, investigation, and trial of Jay Cook's and Tanya Van Cuylenborg's murderer and rapist.
Many true crime novels have a nonlinear outline, causing the author to cover certain topics over and over, over saturating the reader with information about one aspect, and then glancing over other aspects or topics that deserve more discussion
Edward Humes, though, creates such a wonderful timeline, with appropriate information and descriptions throughout the entire book, that makes the reader sometimes forget they are reading a book, and almost believe they are seeing a documentary.
He takes us through the progression of DNA and how it has assisted forensics, and thus, has lead to the newest way of utilizing DNA for investigation purposes, while still in it's infancy.
And while he takes us primarily through one spectacular case in how this new technology is being used, he also covers many similar cases to keep you intrigued throughout the book.
The research was superb, the writing style phenomenal, and all true crime lovers should read this book.
December 14, 2022
I want to begin with pointing out that this is a nonfiction book on how genetic genealogy was used to solve cold cases - it is extremely easy to forget this as author Edward Humes starts off by introducing readers to the double murder cold case of Tanya Van Cuylenborg and Jay Cook. While it's very detailed and factual, it reads like a fictional work - too heinous to be real.
I did request the ARC for this book on NetGalley and was approved, so much gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher, Dutton.
If you prefer reviews in a video format, I've got you covered! Watch the non-spoiler video on my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/gP8E8mVFUsw
If you're someone like me who watches every crime documentary that can be found, read thrillers and true crime novels like nobody's business - I believe this book would be right up your alley. Edward Humes writes this narrative in the same style as many of the best documentaries I've seen - I was riveted. A young couple on an overnight errand for the boy's father vanish. The families knew within hours that something was wrong because these two young people were like clockwork checking in with their parents. Both were found murdered and the killer or killers left no trace except a partial palm print on the van.
Thirty years later, technology had advanced, sure - but more importantly - so had DNA databases where people submitted saliva samples in order to trace their ancestry. With the help of some forward thinking individuals, genetic genealogists began solving cold cases....but what does using these databases mean as far as privacy??
I will admit, there were a few chapters that delved heavily into explaining the process of how genetic genealogy began, what it was used for, how it worked - that made my eyes glaze over. I wanted to get back to solving the case of Tanya and Jay! I actually treated it like it was two separates pieces - one was the research as to how this new process was instrumental in solving cold cases and the other was the double murder cases. Once I compartmentalized it that way - I was once again immersed.
This was my first book to read by Edward Humes, but it will NOT be the last. I've already been researching his backlog and picking out my next one. I decided on MISSISSIPPI MUD as I'm a born and raised Mississippi girl and very familiar with the Biloxi area and Strip this story centers around.
I can tell you one thing I've learned by all the crime books, documentaries and this story - I am so glad I live in the age we're in today - everything is caught on camera. To see how easy it was for these serial killers back in the 70s, 80s, and 90s - I don't know how folks slept at night!
I did request the ARC for this book on NetGalley and was approved, so much gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher, Dutton.
If you prefer reviews in a video format, I've got you covered! Watch the non-spoiler video on my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/gP8E8mVFUsw
If you're someone like me who watches every crime documentary that can be found, read thrillers and true crime novels like nobody's business - I believe this book would be right up your alley. Edward Humes writes this narrative in the same style as many of the best documentaries I've seen - I was riveted. A young couple on an overnight errand for the boy's father vanish. The families knew within hours that something was wrong because these two young people were like clockwork checking in with their parents. Both were found murdered and the killer or killers left no trace except a partial palm print on the van.
Thirty years later, technology had advanced, sure - but more importantly - so had DNA databases where people submitted saliva samples in order to trace their ancestry. With the help of some forward thinking individuals, genetic genealogists began solving cold cases....but what does using these databases mean as far as privacy??
I will admit, there were a few chapters that delved heavily into explaining the process of how genetic genealogy began, what it was used for, how it worked - that made my eyes glaze over. I wanted to get back to solving the case of Tanya and Jay! I actually treated it like it was two separates pieces - one was the research as to how this new process was instrumental in solving cold cases and the other was the double murder cases. Once I compartmentalized it that way - I was once again immersed.
This was my first book to read by Edward Humes, but it will NOT be the last. I've already been researching his backlog and picking out my next one. I decided on MISSISSIPPI MUD as I'm a born and raised Mississippi girl and very familiar with the Biloxi area and Strip this story centers around.
I can tell you one thing I've learned by all the crime books, documentaries and this story - I am so glad I live in the age we're in today - everything is caught on camera. To see how easy it was for these serial killers back in the 70s, 80s, and 90s - I don't know how folks slept at night!
![Profile Image for julia ☆ [owls reads].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1636739475i%2F5520447._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
Read
August 17, 2024Fascinating and emotional read. I like that the author discusses how genetic genealogy is a great tool for law enforcement and it actively helps them solve (cold) cases, but doesn't mince words regarding the issues surrounding it when it comes to privacy.
July 14, 2022
'DNA analysis' is a phrase now on everyone's lips, whether it is a paternity test or the still rare test for genetic abnormalities. Above all, it is known to be a test used to identify victims of accidents and crimes, and possible suspects. What is really behind it, and the developments in the technique, however, often eludes the ordinary citizen. Not to mention that many do not even have the basics to understand what is being talked about. I can imagine, therefore, that hearing about genetic genealogy - i.e. the use of DNA profiling to identify a person by reconstructing their family tree, all using somewhat commercial archives - and its use by the police to name victims and perpetrators, can make many people jump in their seats. Humes' text introduces the subject by talking about a famous American cold case that was solved after more than thirty years using this technique.
Although very interesting from the point of view of the description of the case and the idea behind the use of the technique, the book has some flaws from a literary point of view. One would say, in fact, that the author has some problems in handling with sobriety the characters that move on the scene, who are presented with a gossip magazine language that clashes somewhat with the essentially divulgative essence of the book.
Although very interesting from the point of view of the description of the case and the idea behind the use of the technique, the book has some flaws from a literary point of view. One would say, in fact, that the author has some problems in handling with sobriety the characters that move on the scene, who are presented with a gossip magazine language that clashes somewhat with the essentially divulgative essence of the book.
May 12, 2022
I am a big fan of shows like Dateline, 48 Hours etc. and had seen several accounts of how James Scharf enlisted the help of Cece Moore and solved a 1980's era murder of a young couple using genetic genealogy. I was interested to see how Edward Humes, the author, told the story and what he had to add to a subject that seemed to have been squeezed dry already. As it turns out he had plenty to add.
Humes takes us through the chronology of what happened when but did much more. The victims, Tanya Van Cuylenborg and Jay Cook, are fully realized as are the family's they left behind. We also meet Scharf and watch as he doggedly pursues lead after lead despite the burden of other cases, a sick wife and beloved dogs who are ill.
Humes also takes us through the controversies which arose in the community of what heretofore were hobbiests and who now had to debate the ethics of privacy vs the public good.
Finally, Humes takes us for a riveting look at the trial of the killer including what went on in the trial and following deliberations. This is a compelling story about the tragic end to two lives, the scars left on the two families and how a team of determined if not obsessed individuals found the truth.
Humes takes us through the chronology of what happened when but did much more. The victims, Tanya Van Cuylenborg and Jay Cook, are fully realized as are the family's they left behind. We also meet Scharf and watch as he doggedly pursues lead after lead despite the burden of other cases, a sick wife and beloved dogs who are ill.
Humes also takes us through the controversies which arose in the community of what heretofore were hobbiests and who now had to debate the ethics of privacy vs the public good.
Finally, Humes takes us for a riveting look at the trial of the killer including what went on in the trial and following deliberations. This is a compelling story about the tragic end to two lives, the scars left on the two families and how a team of determined if not obsessed individuals found the truth.
October 26, 2022
The Forever Witness is a fascinating dive into the world of digital DNA and how it was first used to solve two cold cases. The book flowed like a novel, yet was full of information about the complex nature and controversy of melding genealogy programs designed to trace family trees with the hunt for murderers or victims of serious crimes.
As one of millions of readers obsessed with the psychology of true crime, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the science of finding the answers to long unsolved mysteries.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers and author for the opportunity to read an ARC of this excellent book in exchange for my honest opinion.
5 stars
As one of millions of readers obsessed with the psychology of true crime, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the science of finding the answers to long unsolved mysteries.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers and author for the opportunity to read an ARC of this excellent book in exchange for my honest opinion.
5 stars
September 17, 2022
I really enjoyed the first part of the book, where we get to know the victims, Jay and Tanya. Then we learn about the crime, the evidence, the lack of evidence and the man leading the cold case unit.
It was a lot of detail, but it kept the story going.
I also loved the Parabon introduction in regards to the DNA found at the scene of the crime. I had no idea that there was such a company and how it was founded.
For me, the story started to get bogged down when it went into the Golden State Killer, CeCe Moore, and the Genetic Detective stuff.
I felt that the book was too heavily into the DNA and it made my eyes glaze over from repetition.
Overall, a good book about the intersection of DNA and solving crime, just be prepared to have a few moments of yawning to keep awake while reading the book.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
It was a lot of detail, but it kept the story going.
I also loved the Parabon introduction in regards to the DNA found at the scene of the crime. I had no idea that there was such a company and how it was founded.
For me, the story started to get bogged down when it went into the Golden State Killer, CeCe Moore, and the Genetic Detective stuff.
I felt that the book was too heavily into the DNA and it made my eyes glaze over from repetition.
Overall, a good book about the intersection of DNA and solving crime, just be prepared to have a few moments of yawning to keep awake while reading the book.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
September 8, 2023
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Compelling and heartbreaking with a detailed account of the victims, their families and the tragedy of their deaths.
At times, over detailed and tedious when it came to the science, but then I'm a dumb-dumb and you need to make those kinds of things entertaining like I'm five years old or I'm going to zone out. Get puppets or something, I don't know.
⭐⭐⭐½
Compelling and heartbreaking with a detailed account of the victims, their families and the tragedy of their deaths.
At times, over detailed and tedious when it came to the science, but then I'm a dumb-dumb and you need to make those kinds of things entertaining like I'm five years old or I'm going to zone out. Get puppets or something, I don't know.
⭐⭐⭐½
February 19, 2023
True story about the rape and murder of Tanya and murder of Jay, a couple on an overnight work trip for Jay’s dad.
If you love watching Cold Case then this book is for you. It gives the back story to the case and then goes beyond just catching the murder but also through the court case. You even get the history of how DNA has shaped how murders are found.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc!
If you love watching Cold Case then this book is for you. It gives the back story to the case and then goes beyond just catching the murder but also through the court case. You even get the history of how DNA has shaped how murders are found.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc!
March 20, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed how the sciency/DNA part of this book was written - easy to read and understand. And I like how it was peppered in throughout the book and wasn’t just a lot of DNA jargon all at once.
The cold case was sad, but I’m happy that they found the guy before Tanya’s parents passed! Pissed that he’s trying to appeal, but losers be losers.
The cold case was sad, but I’m happy that they found the guy before Tanya’s parents passed! Pissed that he’s trying to appeal, but losers be losers.
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