Books & Looks: Real Books for Real Readers was started as a literary podcast to supplement Blaine Desantis’ website, ViewsOnBooks.com, and expand into audio and video interviews with authors.
With Books & Looks, Blaine’s goal is to focus on real books that real people will read. At least half of the books he reviews are either new authors or unknown authors that many in the general public are unaware of. After a segment reviewing books or interviewing authors, Blaine ends each episode with a discussion of the movies and TV shows he is currently watching.
Learn more about Blaine and his podcast at ViewsOnBooks.com.
This Week’s Episode
Today we welcome Lisa Bailey, a former FBI forensic artist, to discuss her captivating new book, “Clay and Bones.” With a unique blend of artistry and investigative skills, Bailey shares her experiences from an extraordinary career in law enforcement.
Book Spotlight: “Clay and Bones”
“Clay and Bones” is a gripping memoir that takes readers behind the scenes of the FBI’s forensic art department. Bailey’s story weaves together her fascinating casework, the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field, and her personal journey of resilience and self-discovery.
Discussed in this Episode:
- The intricate process of facial reconstruction and how it helps solve complex cases
- Bailey’s unexpected path from graphic design to becoming a sought-after forensic artist
- High-profile cases that showcased Bailey’s unique skills, including the hunt for notorious fugitive Whitey Bulger
- The intense pressure and working conditions of FBI deployments, from Bogota to Quantico
- Navigating bureaucracy, discrimination, and a toxic work environment within the FBI
- The emotional toll of working on harrowing crimes and how Bailey coped with the darkness
- Life after the FBI: Bailey’s new chapter in Portugal and her plans for the future
Links:
Listen to the latest episode of Books & Looks:
About Blaine Desantis:
Blaine is an avid lifetime reader, a retired attorney, and has been a book club leader for the past seven years. He is an active teacher in senior education classes at Furman University. Blaine loves fiction, nonfiction, histories, mysteries and almost all genres of books.