Loved being able tot see a different side of crime solving than what we normally see on television. Felt more involved in the process of how these professionals go through these cases.

This is the case which served as the hallmark of DNA genealogy used to solve crimes. It seemed to be happenstance that a woman CeCe Moore in California began investigating genetic genealogy not realizing that she was about to fall into a rabbit hole. Since then, she was able to lend her knowledge of this technology to solve crimes. That's where Detective Jim Scharf comes in wanting to solve a cold case from 1987 in Seattle of a double murder of two teens: Tanya Van Cuylenborg and Jay Cook. Once he sends the DNA to Parabon NanoLabs he isn't prepared for the media storm that will follow regarding privacy of DNA samples versus the legal system wanting to solve decades old murder cases. It is fascinating how the collaboration of dedicated people were able make advances in solving crimes.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for providing this book for review
consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

The story of Tanya and Jay and the journey of their deaths being solved is a fascinating deep dive into the fragile line of moral and legal rights of DNA matching outside it's genealogy intents. Something Paul Holes explores in "Unmasked". A new way of finding murderers but at what cost in the long term will that have?
Getting to know Tanya and Jay and specifically their families and friends makes this story one that will pull your heartstrings while wanting to rip your hair out from the missed connections and difficult international border miscommunications.
An excellent book to dive into the world of DNA matching while having a couple who root you in the reality of what this does to help put old bones to rest.

Amazing true crime book! A great look at the use of DNA and genetic testing companies to solve homicides, and the pitfalls involved, using this example of a cold case. Excellent writing.

I love true crime and this was a wild ride. I learned so much from this and the story kept me interested.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Dutton for this ARC!

This was a thrilling read. So well-written, suspenseful. I learned a ton and enjoyed the ride. I believe that any true crime fan will want to read this. This is a work of non-fiction. Highly recommended.

i LOVED this one. unlike anything else i’ve read in the true crime genre, it takes a story ‘& makes it into something you’re unable to move on from.

This Book is a Fascinating Look at Another Case Where DNA and Genealogy Play a Part in Solving a Cold Case!

The Cold Case of Jay Cook & Tanya Van Cuylenburg in (1987)

This brings up many questions. Where we are today in allowing DNA/Genealogy evidence. I actually had to write a paper on this for a class.

For people thinking they will never get caught… think again. I know even the book states laws have been made and precedence reigns this is still a bit scary. The good part is they are finding these people and getting them off the streets!

Audiobook: Narrated by the Author
I have always found when a book is a bit dry and I can’t get in to reading it that if I switch to the audiobook it becomes very interesting. This happens especially when an author is reading it. That was the case with this book.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

This book has a different quality about it that makes it very easy to read and make you think about it after you put it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone!

Forever Witness is a fascinating explanation of genetic genealogy to solve cold-case murders. Detective Jim Scharf could retire, but the possibility that he can solve cold-case crimes using genealogy keeps him on the job. The book focuses on the 1987 murder of a young British Columbian couple who were in Seattle and features the investigative work of CeCe Moore. While the details of the trial for the suspected murderer William Earl Talbott II are involved, they outline the snags the use of genetics in murder cases. Also, the book shows the backlash from the genealogy community about using DNA to solve crimes. The Forever Witness is recommended for true crime and genealogy fans.

I love true crime books, well actually I like any book but I do enjoy the ones about a real person, place or event. I finished this one in one day, it was easy to get lost in and has some interesting facts. Good read!

As always, non-fiction can sometimes be dry and lose you in certain sections... That was not the case for The Forever Witness. I found the entire book to be fascinating, well researched, and very educational. This book really gave a look into how the use of DNA has transformed our ability to catch criminals and bring justice to so many victims. As a Washingtonian to the core, I found this case that happened in my backyard to be captivating yet still respectful and gave an opportunity to know the victims on a level that felt true to who they were. I will be recommending this book, especially to my fellow true crime fanatics!

This was a well told account of what happened to a young Seattle/Canadian couple that went missing, became a cold case and how the new technology and genealogy of DNA helped solve the case. I've always been fascinated with true crime - and this one was told in a way that felt like I could of been in that van with that couple. The author narrates the audio book and its fantastic.

I ran into some personal issues and was unable to read the book or write a review....my apologies to the publisher.

Diva


The Forever Witness

A young couple from Vancouver vanished in rural Washington, in November 1987. Many years later the case was solved using a new technology-genetic genealogy. DNA evidence collected before it could be analyzed and compared in sufficient detail was processed and used to crack the cold case. The DNA collected and submitted by hobbyists and others seeking family information was a tool to clear crime backlogs.

The story of how this was done makes interesting reading.

A fascinating look at genealogy in solving crime. The ethics vs justice is apparent in this exciting subject. True crime readers should definitely read this. Loved it.

Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley

For fans of true crime, this book incorporates the newer technique of genetic genealogy. But the main crime, murder of a young couple on a road trip, doing a small favor for one of their fathers, is not the only crime discussed. There were several moments I had to remind myself that the author was not the detective, he was that good at placing me within the investigation.

The Forever Witness chronicles the rise of genealogy DNA testing s ruse as a new tool to solve crimes and his it helped to bring closer to multiple cold cases and real time cases by creating a family tree thru DNA analysis and linking those results with those in family history databases. It was fascinating and exciting to see what can be accomplished from this data. I applaud the diligence of the cold case officer who so diligently sought answers and justice for the victims and their families as well as his desire to see the guilty punished. For anyone interested in true crime and in the scientific results of criminal investigations related to DNA evidence. This book is a must read and was filled with interesting facts and information and as well as a fascinating look into the determination and dogged pursuit of truth for the victims long forgotten by regular detectives as the years pass by and the answers lie hidden. I am so impressed with determination of officers willing to make it their life’s work to reveal the truth. Excellent book!

This book chronicles the horrible murder of a young Canadian couple in the 1980s, whose case sadly turned cold due to a lack of evidence. Fast forward 30 years. New technological advancements using DNA and genealogical websites have emerged and the case is finally solved. I found this topic fascinating and appreciated the ethical arguments on both sides regarding police using online genealogy sites to solve crimes. Very thought-provoking.

The Forever Witness is a true crime book by Edward Humes that tells the story of the 1987 murders of Tanya Van Cuylenborg and Jay Cook. The book chronicles the investigation into the murders, which went cold for decades, and the eventual use of genetic genealogy to identify and arrest the killer. The book is well-written and engaging. Humes does a good job of weaving together the different strands of the story. He also provides some interesting insights into the use of genetic genealogy in criminal investigations.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the book:

Pros:

Well-written and engaging
Provides a detailed account of the crime scene and the evidence
Interviews the detectives who worked on the case, as well as the families of the victims
Provides some interesting insights into the use of genetic genealogy in criminal investigations

Cons:

A bit long and drawn-out
Does not provide any new information about the case

Overall, The Forever Witness is a well-written and engaging true crime book. It is a good read for anyone who is interested in the case of Tanya Van Cuylenborg and Jay Cook, or in the use of genetic genealogy in criminal investigations. However, the book is a bit long and drawn-out, and it does not provide any new information about the case.