Rating: 
Summary: " A Lucent, Lively and Epigrammatic CSI Casebook"
Review: "The Forensic Casebook: The Science of Crime Scene Investigation," by Ngaire E. Genge, NY, Ballantine Books, 2002 ISBN 0-345-45203-8 (hc), 246 p., of text plus 58 p. for Appendices, Bibliography and Index. The author of some 10 (+/-) books on divers subjects as the X-Files, Buffy the Vampire, Urban Legends and the like, has developed a fluent writing skill together with ability to both explain and clarify technical matters in a lively manner without being wordy. The author obtained source input from 427 contributing individuals and also made direct contact with 30 policing agencies, public and private labs, and teaching facilities to be both current and accurate in the rapidly evolving science of forensics.
Using appropriate and at times incredible case studies, this raconteur provides a narrative-type casebook placing it apart from the usual cold or aloof and detached textbooks. There is a helpful contents table listing the 5 chapters covering the scene of the crime, and "working the scene" for evidence, body human, different stages (bombs, computers), and skills (animal and photographic). There are amusing anecdotes, references to TV, book, and movie plots and to some well-publicized crimes and criminals plus helpful illustrations. The bibliography is excellent and the book includes 2 helpful Appendicies listing (A) requirements, duties and salaries for the various specialists in forensics, and (B) a worthy listing of teaching institutions offering instruction in CSI.
The author's use (p. 98-101) of the term "splatter" (Ugh!) for blood stains departs from the accepted and conventional word "spatter" used in the U.S. would suggest possible Canadian influence or naivete. In DNA discussion the reference is made (p. 150) to C,T,A,G as "proteins" -- in reality these are purine or pyramidine bases found in nucleic acids. The discussion of National Geographic's manipulated photo of moving "one of the Great Pyramids a little closer to the other" (p. 217) is incorrect, as the change made involved altering a horizontal format into a vertical format to accomodate a cover photo (to keep the Nat.Geo. Editor happy) so an artificial elongation appeared in height of pyramids and camel (the Editor got bigtime Hell!). Errors are few and minor -- the book is a joy to read and has been admirably researched with good contributors.
Rating: 
Summary: Tremendous All around introduction to Forensic Science Field
Review: I recently decided to begin pursuing and researching a career in Forensic Science. This book, more than any I came across, gave a very clear introduction to vast variety of fields of forensics, from Crime Scene Investigation, pathology, anthropology (and others) as well as the process and procedure of a crime investigation from first arrival on scene, to collection of evidence, to processing the evidence all the way through to presenting evidence and expert testimony in court. There is enough case studies to enlighten and entertain, enough science to intrique, and enough details to interest. This is a tremendous introductory and honest book for anyone interested in pursuing a career in Forensics.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't buy this book. Check with the experts instead.
Review: If you look at the March 2004 issue of the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts, you'll find a very negative review of this book. Given that the reviewer (Herbert Leon MacDonell, the Director of Laboratory of Forensic Science Bloodstain Institute of Corning, New York) and all members of IABPA actively work in the field of forensics, I'd take their word for it. Here's an excerpt from the review, which can be found on the web at http://www.iabpa.org/March2004News.pdf
"Many fine books have been written on the general subject of forensic science but this is not one of them. It only takes reading the first page for the reader to discover that this book is not going to be a source of accurate forensic information."
The reviewer goes on to say:
"...the frightening aspect is that lay persons who purchase such garbage are unaware of how inaccurate the things they are reading really are. It is unfortunate that there are publishers out there who will print a manuscript without having some form of peer review to determine whether there are a few minor errors or is it so bad like this book, that they should trash it."
Rating:
Summary: CSI Forensics 101
Review: Of all the Forensics books I've struggled through in the past compared to this one--this was one of the most enjoyable reads I've had in a long time. The most interesting facet of this book is it uses anecdotes from the CSI shows to illustrate the point that is being described in the book. There is just enought detail to give you the basics, without overwhelming you with technical jargo.
If you are a mystery writer, this book should be on your resources bookshelf for quick lookups to check and validate your facts. It could also be a great source book for murder plot ideas.
Rating:
Summary: CSI Forensics 101
Review: Of all the Forensics books I've struggled through in the past compared to this one--this was one of the most enjoyable reads I've had in a long time. The most interesting facet of this book is it uses anecdotes from the CSI shows to illustrate the point that is being described in the book. There is just enought detail to give you the basics, without overwhelming you with technical jargo.
If you are a mystery writer, this book should be on your resources bookshelf for quick lookups to check and validate your facts. It could also be a great source book for murder plot ideas.
Rating:
Summary: authoritative but easy to read
Review: The Forensic Casebook is dense with information on everything relating to forensics - from securing the crime scene, to photography, to the acutal forensics. The material is authoritative, but easy to read and understand with plenty of diagrams to further clarify. Highly recommended for those interested in the field.
Rating:
Summary: authoritative but easy to read
Review: The Forensic Casebook is dense with information on everything relating to forensics - from securing the crime scene, to photography, to the acutal forensics. The material is authoritative, but easy to read and understand with plenty of diagrams to further clarify. Highly recommended for those interested in the field.
Rating:
Summary: A CSI textbook
Review: This book has a lot of information. Outlines of procedures for securing a crime scene and collecting various types of forensic evidence. Detailed information about fingerprint evidence, gun forensic evidence, forensic photography, use of police dogs to collect evidence, and autopsy evidence. Forensic stories from a number of professionals in the field are presented. This book has some nice features- it gives a feel for what it is like to work as a professional in the field of forensics (the hours, the pay, what the work involves, and even some example employment listings for actual jobs). It also discusses getting started in the field and lists a number of degree programs around the country. I enjoyed the examples of forensic cases from popular TV shows and novels that were discussed.
Rating:
Summary: A CSI textbook
Review: This book has a lot of information. Outlines of procedures for securing a crime scene and collecting various types of forensic evidence. Detailed information about fingerprint evidence, gun forensic evidence, forensic photography, use of police dogs to collect evidence, and autopsy evidence. Forensic stories from a number of professionals in the field are presented. This book has some nice features- it gives a feel for what it is like to work as a professional in the field of forensics (the hours, the pay, what the work involves, and even some example employment listings for actual jobs). It also discusses getting started in the field and lists a number of degree programs around the country. I enjoyed the examples of forensic cases from popular TV shows and novels that were discussed.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant
Review: This book has everything a die-hard forensic fan would love, from the crime scene to apprehension of the killers. Fully illustrated. It also compares what really happens to what people think happens. Thorough and engaging.
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