Rating: 
Summary: The Casebook of Forensic Detection
Review: If you like the hit TV show "CSI", then you're bound to love this casebook of forensic detection. In this exciting volume of logic and suspense, Colin Evans shows "How Science Solved 100 of the World's most Baffling Crimes." You don't have to be a scientist to follow the logic that investigators used to solve these difficult cases. Anyone in high school can pick up this anthology and enjoy learning about some of the world's most baffling felonies.
In this novel, the crimes are broken up into different chapters based on how the crimes were solved. This allows the reader to learn about some more uncommon areas of study like ballistics, the study of firearms and bullets. Early on, ballistic experts learned that bullets fired from different guns have different marks on their surfaces due to how barrels are manufactured. This greatly helped detectives in the case of "Charles Stielow." When the investigators found that the murder weapon produced bullets with different marks then the bullets fired from Stielow's gun, it proved the accused was innocent.
Throughout these cases, many experts in different fields applied their knowledge to solve these difficult cases. Specialists in odontology, (teeth), serology, (blood), and toxicology (poisons), are often not the first people that come to mind when thinking about criminal cases. Yet Colin shows how these specialties have helped to solve the world's more twisted, and interesting, cases.
Famous cases are also revealed in this historic casebook. Have you ever heard of the Hitler diaries? Sacco and Vanzetti? Lindbergh? Evans shows the science of the investigations to find these criminal masterminds. Many "firsts" can also be read, which set the stage for solving the cases in today's world.
Each of the cases in this anthology bring their own twists and turns to this exciting documentation. The easy to read format allows high school readers from all backgrounds to enjoy learning the science behind our world's exciting criminal investigations. This novel teaches a lot about forensics while capturing its reader's attention through all 100 thrilling investigations.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting case studies in forensic science...
Review: As someone who finds forensic science interesting, I found this book to be entertaining. Unfortunately, some of the stories I already knew about from watching forensic science shows such as "The New Detectives". This was probably the main drawback for me. Otherwise, many of the stories were quite interesting. If you're a student of forensic science, I think you will enjoy this book. Hopefully, the case studies will be new material for you.
Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating introduction to forensic science
Review: Colin Evans has put together a fascinating collection of crime cases to illustrate the evolution of forensic detection. Almost all the cases are well written for clarity and reader interest. I found myself very impressed with the early pioneers of forensic detection, who had so few resources but were able to come up with ground-breaking methods that are still in use today!The only negative I can see with this engrossing book, is that a couple of the cases were a bit gruesome. Overall, a great book for anyone interested in how real crimes are solved.
Rating:
Summary: A Fine Introduction to the World of Forensic Detection
Review: First, let me say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and learned much from it. I think, however, that the author tries to accomplish too much, and thereby leaves the reader with too little. The book is separated alphabetically into types of forensic detection methods (e.g., ballistics, fingerprints, etc.) and separated further within each category into case studies presented in chronological order. Thus, there are a number of case studies under each subject (usually 4-6) describing the chronological development of the forensic detection method at issue. The problem comes when the author tries to squeeze 100 separate case studies into this system. While almost all the case studies are interesting, and many absolutely fascinating, there simply is not enough space for each case study. Often, the author cannot provide enough detail to truly satisfy the reader. Some case studies are placed under one heading although the criminal was really caught primarily through another method (while this does not detract much from the forensic detection method being discussed, it does detract from the overall reading experience). The author would have been better off making the book longer or cutting down on the number of case studies while lengthening the description of each. Nevertheless, I still recommend this book for an introduction to the wide array of criminal forensic detection methods. The case studies are interesting and well written.
Rating:
Summary: An interesting collection
Review: For anyone interested in the history of forensic science, this is a great introductory guide. Yes, the cases are old, but the point of the book -- as laid out in the introduction -- is specifically to show the history and development of the various branches of forensic science. While it feels a little morbid to be reading it so avidly, the descriptions of the cases are compelling enough to overcome that reaction. My one quibble would be that the book doesn't include enough on the controversies surrounding some aspects of forensic science. It makes the development read like a triumphal progress, when there have been -- and continue to be -- valid questions about the use, potential for abuse, and the proper handling of science in the courts. Still, it's a great introduction, and if my reading is any example, it will whet your interest for further explorations. Don't expect an in-depth treatment here, but do expect a good quick introduction.
Rating:
Summary: Engrossing & Concise
Review: Good book for those not willing to read a long-winded, drawn-out book dealing with forensic science. The case examples are concise. I was pleased with the selection of forensic methods presented. Well worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: An interesting read
Review: I feel that this book is a good introduction to the history of forensic detection and really gave me an appreciation the amazing things that various agencies & investigators can accomplish with little clues and/or little physical evidence. I liked how the book was organized by sub-sections of disciplines (ie. Identifications of remains, ballistics, etc.)and how each case was broken out separately -- it allowed me to pick up the book whenever I could instead of having to read the whole thing in order to understand the overall point. Being naturally curious and inquisitive, I found myself longing for more facts about some of the cases -- this is my only criticism of this book.
Rating:
Summary: An interesting read
Review: I feel that this book is a good introduction to the history of forensic detection and really gave me an appreciation the amazing things that various agencies & investigators can accomplish with little clues and/or little physical evidence. I liked how the book was organized by sub-sections of disciplines (ie. Identifications of remains, ballistics, etc.)and how each case was broken out separately -- it allowed me to pick up the book whenever I could instead of having to read the whole thing in order to understand the overall point. Being naturally curious and inquisitive, I found myself longing for more facts about some of the cases -- this is my only criticism of this book.
Rating:
Summary: Compelling
Review: I found this book to be quite informative and entertaining as well. The cases are indeed old, but that is what I found to be the most interesting. It is the old cases that are the foundation that created most of the advanced crime-detection techniques that exist in this time. The older cases are interesting because it's amazing to read about how they solved the cases without the technology that we have today. I found it compelling and easy to read. A must-read for any true-crime enthusiast.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent for students
Review: I just recently finished reading this excellent novel about science. I loved this book. If I could reccommend this book to a student in the highschool I would. This book is great for teenagers on up who are interested on learning about forensic sciences.
|
