Cracking Cases: The Science of Solving Crimes

by Henry C. Lee

Truly a legend in his own time, Dr. Henry C. Lee is considered by many to be the greatest forensic scientist in the world. He gained widespread public recognition through his testimony in the televised O. J. Simpson trial. Since that time he has helped with the Jon Benet Ramsey case and the investigations of mass murder in Croatia.

This book will take the reader through the entire investigative process of five murder cases, with Dr. Lee as the tour guide. The cases include:

the O. J. Simpson case, in which Dr. Lee's analysis of the blood evidence at the crime scene revealed that the Los Angeles Police Department had missed several blood drops on the back of Nicole Simpson, a footprint belonging to a second possible assailant, and the physical improbability of Mr. Simpson's climbing a fence to return to his home.
the "woodchipper murder," in which an Eastern Airlines pilot murdered his wife and then put her body through a woodchipper in an attempt to dispose of the remains.
the Mathison murder, in which a veteran Hawaiian police sergeant claimed to have accidentally run over his wife after she fled the family van during a dispute.
the Ed Sherman murder, in which a college English professor attempted to disguise the time of his wife's death by turning up the air conditioning unit in their house and then using the alibi that he was away from the home sailing on the day the crime allegedly took place.
the McArthur murder, in which a police sergeant shot and killed his wife, but then tried to make it appear that she had accidentally killed herself.

In each case, Dr. Lee presents in scientific detail how he investigated the murders, analyzed the evidence, and used techniques that played a critical role in bringing criminals to justice. He discusses how the criminalist examines blood spatter evidence and uses blood identification, DNA analysis, and other forensic technologies developed in the world's best laboratories. This is a fascinating insider's look by a world-renowned expert into the pursuit of justice in some of the most grisly criminal cases of recent times.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Crime, Science, Death

316 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2002

Reviews

[Mario · Rating 2 out of 5]

In some ways the book is more like an inefficient autobiography than a book about criminology. This goes into some detail about forensics, but it is an unfortunate amount; there is not enough science background to be useful to anyone who knows the topic, but more than anyone who isn't already deeply invested in it needs to know. If the crimes were presented differently, it would be good reading as a group of miniature mysteries, but the mysteriousness of each is sucked out quickly when he presents the conclusion upfront. Then there are the similarities between the cases, which I don't feel I need to get into in detail, but they suggest a deeper story here than the author is willing to investigate. Surely he chose the cases on purpose, but the repeated correspondences only elicit a couple of off-hand remarks. Meh.

[Cathie]

Science written in an engaging manner. It was really nice to read about people in law enforcement who care so seriously about solving the crime as opposed to just putting someone, anyone, away for the crime. It was hard to read about the OJ case, because I truly believe he is guilty, but the police didn't do their jobs properly. I appreciate wanting to ensure the guy didn't get away with it, but if they don't do the job properly for the guilty, what's to ensure they will do it properly for the innocent in custody. We cannot convict based on police opinion of who is guilty. But I digress, I read this book fast than my usual pace (I am a slow reader) because it was so interesting. The Woodchipper Murder is a fantastic example of how investigations should be done! Thank you Dr. Lee for being so devoted that you give so much of yourself to these cases.

[DORET · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating book describing five cases Dr. Lee assisted in analyzing with his forensics background. Each case was carefully described, including the gathering (or lack of) gathering necessary data that allowed the investigative team to arrive at a conclusion proved by factual data. After describing the case and the ensuing trial, Dr. Lee described part of the scientific facts used: blood spatter, DNA, time of death, etc. What I really liked is that Dr. Lee didn't say who killed whom but he discussed what he "saw" through the evidence provided him. I will never watch another murder mystery in the same way again.

[Dorothy Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a basic course in blood splatter and DNA, very dry. All five cases were women killed by their husbands. O.J. Simpson was acquitted, and Lee testified for the defense, but at no time says he thought O.J. was innocent. He criticizes the police work and praises the defense team, but never says "O.J. didn't do it."

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a true crime fan, this book is fascinating. By taking 5 cases and breaking them down, Dr Henry Lee presents the evidence and background in each to get an understanding of the science behind the crime.

[Tribefan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read! Dr. Henry Lee is fantastic!

[Greg Parrott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much to say.... another good read of 5 presented cases.

[Adrienne Hardy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting.

[Megan Posner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought it was a fun scientific murder mystery book. And I enjoyed learning more about one of the top forensic scientists who is also AAPI and an immigrant to America. Was over all a nice read.

[Tammy Chaffins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading true crime books

[Muhammad Nizam Bin Mohtar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the best, most clear set of reasons and reflections I’ve ever read. Everything he writes is brilliant.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book, forensics expert Dr. Henry Lee and co-author Thomas W. O'Neil present analyses of five different sensational murder cases Lee has investigated over the years, including that of O.J. Simpson's ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. They describe the lives and marriages of each of the victims using information drawn mostly newspaper articles and other books. Even while dealing with the tiniest pieces of physical evidence--blood spatter patterns, seminal fluids, gunshot residue--the authors never lose sight of the victims as human beings with dreams, hopes and desires.

The subject of forensics is outside of my usual reading because of misgivings about sensationalism on the one hand and seeing a human being reduced to bits and pieces on the other. However, I'm relieved and grateful that Dr. Lee's book is much more than that. While it is primarily an attempt to educate the public as to how forensics investigations work (a subject which I personally don't know a whole lot about), it is also a very pointed call for dealing with domestic abuse. In one case, a man murdered his pregnant wife then turned the air conditioner in the bedroom up to full blast before leaving on a sailing trip with friends to make her time of death more difficult to determine. At the conclusion of the chapter describing the crime, the authors write:

"Though a college professor, Edward Sherman had displayed, over the decade leading up to his wife's murder and beyond, a violent side, one particularly directed at women. His conviction should serve as a benchmark in placing domestic abuse in the proper perspective. This is a profoundly serious genre of crime, one which authorities today take very seriously. Perhaps, if Sherman had been dealt with earlier in his life, Ellen Cooper Sherman would still be alive and the mother of second child, the convicted man would not have died in prison in disgrace, and the couple's daughter would never have been orphaned at so tender an age."

Please read the rest of the review here.

[Grace Thornley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Henry C. Lee is very talented in writing and forensic science. In Cracking Cases: The Science of Solving Crimes, he tells us about five different murder cases and how forensic scientists solve these murders.

We first learn about the Mathison murder case, in which a man murders his wife. Dr. Lee teaches us about blood evidence in this crime. The second case is the wood chipper murder case, which is unusual because a man murders his wife and puts her body through a wood chipper. The forensic science we are taught in this chapter is odontology (the study of structure and diseases in teeth), pathology (the laboratory examination of body tissue), and credit card tracing evidence. The O.J Simpson case became a well known case because of the media attention. You will learn about DNA testing to see if the DNA found at a crime scene matches that of a suspect. In the Sherman case, again, a man murders his wife. Even though this is another case of spousal murder you will learn new things about forensic science, such as how important it is to correctly determine the victim’s time of death. The final case we learn about is the MacArthur case. This is another example of a man murdering his wife, but you will learn about the importance of crime scene reconstruction.
Anyone who enjoys forensic science or wants to learn more about forensic science should read Cracking Cases: The Science of Solving Crimes by Dr. Henry C. Lee. It was not a long book, but took a while to read if you wanted to fully understand it. This book will teach you the responsibilities of a forensic scientist or detective and how much dedication and time you have to give to pursue a career in that field. I really enjoy reading this book. Overall, this book gave me valuable information and kept me interested into reading more.

[Brendan Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that the book Cracking Cases was amazing. It was a great non-fiction book and anybody who enjoys shows such as Cops, C.I.A, or any other detective show would love this book. It shows the science behind how detectives do their work, and crack cases.

This book follows five murder cases. It tells how Dr. Lee cracks these cases and wins in court. If you are like me and love fiction, but have never been into non-fiction be ready for that to change. When you read this book you will realize that non-fiction books can still have action and excitement. This book quickly became one of my favorite books by combing mystery and action into a non-fiction.

I also enjoy how there is science in this book. It teaches you all about forensic science and does a great job with it. This book really goes in to detail about Henry Lee and how he thinks. Not only does it do that but it also manages to keep the reader intrigued and not wanting to set the book down. I think this is a great book.

Anyone who could possibly want to be a detective or even just enjoys watching the shows about them then this is the book for you. It is very similiar to shows such as CIA and keeps you interested the whole time.

[Tom Schulte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lee compile several cases of lethal spousal abuse, including a woodchipper murder and the O.J. Simpson case. Lee shoehorns togther dispassioned facts of the crime, legal tactics over view and a smattering of forensic science. The result is rather dry, like a 100-level forensics text.

However, Lee clearly lays out the problems with blood evidence in the Simpson case that make elements of the the LAPD look at least inept if not criminal: ETDA contamination, blood samples that appear more recent than the crime, etc.

[Josh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very little science is present in this mostly prurient retelling of five murders. The earlier cases are the most compelling and the most completely told while later cases fell incomplete and frankly had little to do with science. Actually, the last case was completely proven by science, but it was an open and shut case. The book wasn't that good but it should give me some good ideas for class activities, I will have to go back over it.

[Vince Gotera · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Cracking Cases, Henry C. Lee and Thomas W. O'Neil present some interesting cases, esp. the O. J. Simpson murder case. The techniques involved and the deductions they occasion are fascinating. At times, however, this reads like a textbook, calling into question what the co-authors intend as their audience: the general public or students of forensics?

[Steph (loves water) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Lee speak back in the mid 90s...he is an amazing speaker, intelligent with a sharp wit that probably goes over a lot of people's heads. That said, I loved this book. I don't find the man patronizing at all; he seemed very humble to me, giving much of the credit for solving the murders to other members of law enforcement. How rare a trait is that?

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredible cases recounted with a tremendous level of granular detail: the facts, it needs be said, are gruesome and necessary for the reader to understand the forensic science that led to them being solved. The problem with this book is with the absolutely leaden writing that drags you into an abyss of turpitude, which doesn't let go of you until you awake with the book on your chest.

[Emily Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

very detailed descriptions on the forensic procedures used in each case. I particularly enjoyed the oj simpson forensics, as he was working with the defendant, yet told johnny cochran he would look at the facts and report what he saw, not what was wanted.

[Roberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book for the woodchipper murder case. It was unusual at the time to get a conviction without a body. Mr. Lee is obviously the real deal but he explains the procedure on each case and how evidence was collected without sounding like he is talking down to us.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee is amazing. I have read all of his books. He is brilliant. I have an MBA with Nationa Honors and still feel dumb compared to this guy.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This man is a pure genius.

[Larissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Report by CT governments's expert forensic investigator concerning notorious murders of women by their husbands. Horrible crimes by insanely arrogant men.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of America's most noted and respected criminologists details five crimes he worked on and how science told the tale. One of the cases profiled is the O.J. Simpson murder trial. Eye-opening.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish there was more science explained. The cases were interesting, but the best parts were the few pages of hard-core science utilized in the investigations. Still a good read overall.

[Jo Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started July 9th..
Finished August 2nd..

[Maryann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Surprisingly disorganized and poorly written. He had a co-author, no excuse!