Customer Reviews (1)

Wasn't Exactly What I Expected
I purchased this book as part of my exploration of possible jobs as I transition from one type of employment to the next.I didn't realize, until it arrived, that the book is written with a much-younger audience in mind.

I do like the way it is written, to have the reader attempting to solve a crime with the trace evidence that was found at the crime scene.At the same time, because I'm a bit older than the intended audience, this book is not really appropriate for my needs.That's why I'm giving it four stars instead of five. ... Read more

Product Description
This fast-paced, authoritative book offers a compelling look at the way scientific techniques have helped investigators solve some of the most famous crimes in history. More than 100 true crime cases discussed. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

This one depends on the reader....
This book was fair to midlin, depending on the perspective of the reader. I usually read for entertainment and to learn and the factual information presented was good. However, for a layperson like myself, I found much of the information on DNA and other crime solving techniques very confusing. It made me wonder how juries ever can understand it all. At times throughout the book, one would have to be a chemist to understand. Despite that, there were good portions that were both interesting and instructional. Anyone interested in forensics would just love this book. It is complete with pictures (some gruesome) and many different criminal investigative techniques. If you are reading this book because this is your field, it would be a five star book, if you are reading this book solely for entertainment - skip it, if you are reading this book in the hopes of committing a crime and getting away with it, it won't happen. But, if you are like me and are reading for both pleasure and knowledge, it's worth your time and effort.

Good Overview of Forensics
Not for the faint of heart, this book contains a fair amount of somewhat graphic photographs accompanying the text. While to be sure, this is not an in-depth thesis of forensics, for what it is, which is a layman's overview of forensic methods and detection, it is quite good. The font of the text and the book layout make it very comfortable to browse, and you may find yourself reading quite a lot in one sitting. Overall, very enjoyable, but don't expect a really deep book

Picture book of forensic science
"Bodies of Evidence" is a Reader's Digest book about forensic science, featuring more than a hundred true crimes and many gory, full-color photographs.It's definitely not a text-book, but more of an overview of different methods of forensic detection.I didn't find the explanations particularly clear, and the cases chosen to illustrate the detective work were the usual, tried and true (or tried and convicted) Dr. Buck Ruxton, Aunt Thally and her poison tea, Sacco and Vanzetti, etc.The 'Boston Strangler' case was used as an example in the 'Suffocation and Strangulation' section, but no mention was made of the fact that DNA analysis has recently been used to clear Albert DeSalvo of at least one of the murders.

For those who are following the Chandra Levy case, "Bodies of Evidence" will provide an overview of the forensic techniques that the Washington D.C. police force may be employing.

The body of the book is divided into the following chapters, each with lots of illustrations and a case history or two:"Gathering the Evidence;" "Suicide or Murder?;""Mark of Death (Physical assault, bruising);" "With Poison Deadly;" "Skull and Bones;" "Breath of Life (death by oxygen deprivation);" "Worm in the Flesh (decomposition, insect traces);" "Finger of Suspicion (fingerprints);" "Written in Blood;" "DNA Fingerprinting;" "Hanging by a Hair;" "The Speeding Bullet;" "Fire and Destruction;" "Fragments of Evidence (broken glass, paint fragments, etc);""Speaking Likeness (voice prints);" "The Guilty Party (handwriting, identity parades, etc.);" "The Forensic Hardware (hi-tech methods and devices such as Neutron Activation, Mass Spectrometry, etc.);"

One minor criticism---I wish the publishers hadn't decided to stamp "CASE CLOSED" over the actual text of the case.It made the case histories slightly hard to read.

Hidden Evidence Was Better
I've just started reading this book. I bought it a few weeks ago but I find that Hidden Evidence is much better in the way they set there book up. In this book there information seem to be satured (sorry I'm a horrible speller.)In hidden evidence the material is put in sudheading which helps to find the information a lot faster.This book has headings at the begining of each chapter but no subheadings. Also in Hidden Evidence there case studies were right after the chapter which made it easier to read not having to stop half way through a chapter in Bodies of Evidence they put it in no good spot and it has nothing to do with that chapter.But the information so far in this book is good to learn if you want to know how crimes are solved and how they use it.But remember I'm only started the book and this is how I find it so far.Oh and the pictures in both Hidden Evidence and Bodies Of Evidence are excellent.

one of the most fascinating books i've ever read
On tv the witty cop gets the criminal single handedly. In reality the case against a criminal is often made in the forensics lab. If you enjoy watching the New Detectives or the FBI Files on TV you will love this book. ... Read more

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Discusses the investigatory work preformed in laboratories using such clues as fingerprints, tire tracks, bullet holes, and artist's sketches. ... Read more

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Discusses the work of police and FBI laboratories dedicated to the scientific study of criminal evidence. ... Read more

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The science of forensics and the crime investigation lab have become an increasingly important aspect of police work. This brand-new Easy Way title introduces criminology students and law enforcement candidates to forensics in four major sections: Introduction to Forensic Science, The Physical Sciences, Physical Evidence, and The Future of Forensic Science. Among the topics explored are applications ofthe sciences of physics and chemistry to forensics, physical evidence, body fluids, explosives and incendiaries, firearms, fingerprints, DNA evidence, and many more. Discussion of future trends includes retinal scans and other ID systems, computer databases and searches, and more. Review questions with answers appear at the end of each chapter. Barron's Easy Way books introduce a variety of academic and practical subjects to students and general readers in clear, understandable language. Ideal as self-teaching manuals for readers interested in learning a new career-related skill, these books have also found widespread classroom use as supplementary texts and brush-up test-preparation guides. Subject heads and key phrases that need to be learned are set in a second color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent Teaching Resource!
I use this book for my High School Forensic class. It's comprehensive, easy to read, and covers all facets of Forensic Science. I highly reccomend this book!

An Excellent Study Guide
This book provides excellent basic concepts in a variety of forensic specialty areas.Each chapter ends with a multiple choice chapter review quiz.This book is not only a good resource for students, but for instructors as well. ... Read more

Product Description
This manual spells out legal and scientific standards for processing evidence in solving crimes. Fingerprints, fibers, drug residue and altered documents involved in fires and murders are just some of the topics covered. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good, but very dated
This is a reprint of an LEAA text that appears to have been written in the 1970's.While a good text for its' subject, the FBI's Physical Evidence text is comparably priced, has equivalent coverage, and is up to date, considering current technology and rules of evidence.

Probably best portable book for crime scene processing
The authors know their subject, and communicate the information concisely, and in an easy to understand way.You can pay a lot more, but you won't get a better practical book.I've already worn out one copy ... Read more

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The Dead Do Tell Tales...

Product Description
Is there such a thing as the perfect crime?

In 1979, US Army captain, Jeffrey MacDonald claimed that three "hippies" broke into his house and attacked him and stabbed his wife and daughters. Despite the Army Captain's careful attempts to conceal evidence, forensic scientists were able to prove that MacDonald himself was guilty. Police Lab shows how forensic scientists gather and analyze evidence, examine weapons and bodies and use DNA testing and other techniques to help solve crime. Twenty real-life case studies show forensic scientists in action and demonstrate the fascinating secrets of police labs.

Police Lab includes:
- analyzing physical evidence and weapons
- fraud and forgeries including handwriting analysis
- DNA testing and the future of forensic science
- "forensic facts" sidebars throughout the book explaining how even the smallest detail and shred of evidence can help solve crime
- 20 real-life case studies including: The World Trade Center bombing, O.J. Simpson trial, assassination of John F. Kennedy and the conviction of serial killer Ted Bundy
- more than 200 color photographs ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Courtesy of Teens Read Too
For those interested in how forensic science works, then POLICE LAB is a must-read.

Author David Owen presents a great beginning presentation into how forensic science works in regards to ballistics, DNA processing, fingerprint evidence, bite marks, tire imprints, and even handwriting analysis -- and how they can be used to figure out the person who has committed a crime.Using more than twenty true-life cases, from the death of INXS rocker Michal Hutchence to serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, Mr. Owen takes us inside the science that helped cracked the case.

Although there are other books that delve deeper into the actual workings of the science behind the science, this is a great starting point for teens interested in the forensic field.Be warned, though -- the book includes several full-color photographs of actual dead bodies, which might not be suitable for everyone.On the other hand, if you're planning on a career in the field of forensic science, you might do well to get used to such things now!

Reviewed by:Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"

Great Presentation
This is an easy read for those wanting an introduction to forensics. All the basics are covered: scene investigation, identification, poisons, weapons, fingerprints, ballistics, blood, DNA, etc. Accompanying each subject are a couple of case studies that explain how that particular subject was used to solve a crime. Many of the crimes are well-known and the well-read student of crime will already have a knowledge of them, but there's also lesser-known crimes covered.

What makes this book really stand out is the presentation: the layout is suburb with hundreds of photos and illustrations. For a crash course in forensics this book is ideal. ... Read more