Download PDF The Casebook of Forensic Detection How Science Solved 100 of the World Most Baffling Crimes 9780471283690 Medicine Health Science Books

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Product details Paperback 310 pages Publisher Wiley; 1 edition (October 16, 1998) Language English ISBN-10 047128369X

The Casebook of Forensic Detection How Science Solved 100 of the World Most Baffling Crimes 9780471283690 Medicine Health Science Books Reviews

• The book is interesting enough, I guess, but the title is misleading.
  
  Most of the crimes mentioned weren't that baffling. Usually a suspect was well in hand when the aformentioned science in the title helped prove that the suspect was or was not the guilty party. Some of the crimes mentioned aren't even really solved, such as that of Charles Hall. The science determined a massive dose of arsenic prior to his death, but the author indicates that whether it was murder or suicide is undetermined. Another example is that of Steven Truscott where the science is two pathologists disagreeing about time of death. And lastly, William Dorr. I'll quote two sentences from the book and let you decide. "Millions of Americans read and marveled over the fact that a single over-coat button sent Dorr to the electric chair . . . " versus an earlier sentence from the same story "While these findings inexorably tied the button from the crime scene to the overcoat, they in no way helped to identify the mysterious killer." Was it the button that solved the crime or not? Apparently not. I do have to nitpick one other point. In the section on Joseph Williams, the author writes, "having once been found innocent. . . " Double jeopardy does not apply when one is found innocent, because a court trial does not find anybody innocent. Not guilty does not mean innocent.
  
  I bought this as a present for my sister from her wishlist, but now I almost regret it. Hope she's not as disappointed as I was.
• 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.
• A very good book, set up in a format I liked. Each chapter is about a particular forensic method (fingerprinting, ballistics, etc). Each chapter then gives thumbnail stories of crimes solved by using the method in that particular chapter. Easy to read, interesting, well organized. I loved it!
• Great cases! It was like I had a glimpse into being at the actual crime scenes. Requirement for school, a good read, and aced the course. Great price too. Most of my books for school come from for the best shipping prices around and good quality of like new. Why buy brand new from the campus bookstore when you can save over half off with ?
• I bought this one along with another forensics book when she first started showing an interest in forensics. The other book failed where this one succeeded. The material was written well enough to catch her interest, and the stories were well told. As far as forensic detail, she said it was a little lacking, but that it was still fun to read and kept her interested in the subject. If you're looking for textbook type writing, this isn't it. It's not a research tool. But it is fun, and it should make for a good read if you like the nuts and bolts of how the science helped solve crimes.
• Many cases I have never heard of.
• Description accurately described the product - I got what I expected.
• I really liked this book. It was one of those 'can't put it down situations.' I am now looking for more material on the subject though because this book is a bit sparse. After reading each case one is left wanting more. Each case occupies only about 2 or 3 pages and though they are good, I would have liked to go more in depth. Alas, I do not think that was the author's intent. Very good, quick read.