Written in Blood

by Mike Silverman, Tony Thompson

The remarkable casebook of a top forensic scientist As a leading forensic scientist, Mike Silverman has helped to identify and convict dozens of murderers, rapists, armed robbers, burglars, and muggers, thanks to the evidence they—or their victims—unwittingly left behind at the scenes of their crimes. Mike Silverman started his career in the days when fingerprints were still kept on card files and DNA profiling was just a pipe dream, so this is more than just a casebook, it is also a definitive history of the development of forensic science over the course of the past 35 years. From collecting blood samples at gangland executions to investigating forensic science failings, Mike Silverman’s unique career provides a fascinating insight into the ways forensic science is used to help solve real-life crimes. Packed with genuine crime scene photographs and original sketches, this is the ultimate insider’s account of the fascinating world of forensic science.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Science, Crime

400 pages, Paperback

First published May 9, 2013

Reviews

[Ellesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forensic science and crime is something I have a real interest in, I have read a number of books on it so was excited to see this one. Mike Silverman was a forensic scientist in the UK, working for the Forensic Science Service (FSS) among other organisations throughout his career. At the start of the book I was drawn into the different cases Mike was working and how they were affecting real people and their lives.

One thing that didn’t sit right with me was how the book described itself as a casebook, it isn’t. Don’t get me wrong I do really like the book, but it isn’t a true casebook, it is the journey Mike went on throughout his career.

At the start of his career, the methods and results gained would be seen as very basic compared to the advances of today. I enjoyed the start of the book, this is where the bulk of the real cases are but as it when on he progressed up the career ladder it became more about the politics of who was actually providing the service and the mistakes they were making leading to the privatisation of forensic science* rather than the crimes themselves, while I understand the failure of the FSS was of interest to him, how was it to us as a reader? I wanted case studies! It was interesting to understand mistakes were made and how they impact on the people in the cases causing multiple injustices but not so much on how individuals where portrayed

One to grab if you are a lover of CSI or crime!

*personally I find the fact private profit-making companies are undertaking all of the work rather worrying and unnerving

[Dayna Louise McDonald · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting but not for the layman

As a person who is interested in Criminology and Forensic Science, without a background or career in either, I found the stories entertaining but the science complex and confounding. Where as parts of the book were gripping and very interesting, other parts were just too technical and complex for me. Perhaps a better book for a student or a writer.

[Sonja Jakovljev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice insight into forensic History globally, and in the UK, what happens when it goes wrong. Pretty much fascinated did found any English author that understand the Serbian genocide over Croatia, and what forensic Science has to do with it.
Nice insight into state launderette and explanation why to some peoples DNA machines newer works.

[lauren kilmister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating! When you watch t.v you think forensic science is quite quick but this book tells you of the painstaking processes that the scientists have to go through. Everyone should read this book. Awesome

[Melody Hancock · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a book mainly on the growth and development of dna and blood analysis rather than of crimes scenes and how they work through them which is what I hoped for!
Some parts covered this and the story of the professional life of the author. It was very technical at times and followed the history of forensic analysing and the troubles the police, the forensic services plus government and it all came down to money again. A bit disappointing really!

[Max Demon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit i wasn't into crime investigation and forensic science before picking up this book. but oh man this is highly detailed and vivid description of solving some of the notable cases that shook UK. And makes us marvel at the levels where modern day forensic science reach.

must read if you're planning to murder in future and hope to get away! I borrowed this book from a close friend, lent to a known serial killer and this man haven't returned this book since. I pray that this person does not see the freedom like us, else he will be unstoppable with his sharp intellect and brilliant explanations.

[Tracy Dobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look into the recent history of forensic science in Great Britain. I love reading about forensics of all kinds. Looks like this is an area in which privatization is NOT good (at least it doesn't seem to be working for them).

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covers his career within the Met Police Lab, the FSS and the Home Office. Many interesting sections charting the demise of the FSS and the current state of forensic provision in our country which used to be the world leader.