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Dead Reckoning: The New Science of Catching Killers
For most people, the forensic sciences are something reported on the news when a crime is solved through DNA evidence, or used as a plot twist for television shows. But behind the crime-scene tape and the doors of the morgue is a world never seen by the public. Now famed pathologist and medical examiner Dr. Michael Baden and award-winning writer Marion Roach take readers into the laboratory, above the autopsy table, onto the witness stand and out in the field to show how advances in forensic science can solve crucial questions in a criminal case, often with startling accuracy.
Baden and Roach reveal how a key clue to the killer of Nicole Brown Simpson was lost when her body was moved to the morgue, and why the JonBenet Ramsey case can never be solved. They show how no clue is too small to be analyzed and no case too old to be reopened. Full of behind-the-scenes drama and surprising revelations, Dead Reckoning is a fascinating look at how forensic science is changing the way we convict the guilty and free the innocent.
Baden and Roach reveal how a key clue to the killer of Nicole Brown Simpson was lost when her body was moved to the morgue, and why the JonBenet Ramsey case can never be solved. They show how no clue is too small to be analyzed and no case too old to be reopened. Full of behind-the-scenes drama and surprising revelations, Dead Reckoning is a fascinating look at how forensic science is changing the way we convict the guilty and free the innocent.
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2001
13 people are currently reading
970 people want to read
About the author
Michael Baden
9 books32 followersMichael M. Baden is a physician and board-certified forensic pathologist known for his work investigating high-profile deaths and as a host of HBO's Autopsy. He is also the Forensic Science Contributor for Fox News Channel. ~ Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 4, 2011
I belong to a book club where a member gets to pick a genre each month and we all read whatever books we want to from that genre. When I first saw the shelf for February was Science, I admit it, I groaned. Then I figured that I like thrillers, so a book on forensics might be pretty good. And I was right. Dr. Michael Baden is a forensic scientist, medical examiner, news consultant, and expert witness. He has been involved in many cases over his career, including many high profile cases. In addition, he has consulted on the forensics in such endeavors as the identification of the Romanov remains in Russia, TWA flight 800, the Thomas Jefferson paternity case, and many others. In his lectures and meetings he has come across some of the most well known people in the field of forensics including the man who teaches a class on blood spatter, the "forensic bug" guy, and Dr. Henry Lee. His chapter on Doctor Lee is especially fascinating.
Marion Roach is a contemporary non-fiction writer. In addition to this book, she has written a book about Alzheimers, and has been published in many of todays leading magazines. She is also the sister of author Margaret Roach. She has a wonderful writing style that is easy to read and really makes Micheal Baden's stories come alive. In addition, she attended many meeting with him and classes with the experts that they profile, bringing her first hand knowledge into the writing.
Between Marion Roach's writing style, and Michael Baden's experience in forensics, this book was a surprisingly easy read. Definitely a 4 star read and recommended for anyone who is interested in the science behind the thrillers that are so popular.
Marion Roach is a contemporary non-fiction writer. In addition to this book, she has written a book about Alzheimers, and has been published in many of todays leading magazines. She is also the sister of author Margaret Roach. She has a wonderful writing style that is easy to read and really makes Micheal Baden's stories come alive. In addition, she attended many meeting with him and classes with the experts that they profile, bringing her first hand knowledge into the writing.
Between Marion Roach's writing style, and Michael Baden's experience in forensics, this book was a surprisingly easy read. Definitely a 4 star read and recommended for anyone who is interested in the science behind the thrillers that are so popular.
February 10, 2016
I have been interested in forensic science, particularly forensic pathology, since I was in about 7th grade (early '60s). I am endlessly fascinated with this subject. So I had high hopes for this book. Baden is a nationally known forensic pathologist. But he is far too aware of his own reputation. Rather than informative, I found this to be egotistical.
March 14, 2018
Well this was certainly informative and interesting, that is what I could read of it. Occasionally my yuck face became so intense my eyes would squeeze shut and I would have to turn the page. I am fine with bones or crime scene evidence but entire corpses with guts and stuff get a little much for me. If, however you have a stronger stomach than I do, you may well learn more than I did.
March 14, 2025
It was so boring I just wanted it to end. I do agree with some reviews that say a lot of the book is the author talking about how good at his job he is, not so much about the science behind it or how he does his job.
July 25, 2019
A veteran ME explains all sorts of trace evidence with real case examples. Fascinating stuff.
April 22, 2015
What Baden knows he really knows and this book is written in a easy to read, engaging style. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and learned quite a bit. I really enjoyed the personal touches and glimpses of men like Henry Lee.
There are a few points, however, that keep me from giving it 5 stars.
Baden has little or no use for profiling. He summarily dismisses it with a somewhat lame excuse that any experienced detective can tell you the same things as a profiler. In doing this Baden dismisses an excellent tool that has been used to great effectiveness and promises to continue to do so. A few years back much forensic work was likewise dismissed as is lamented in this book. Why can't these guys just welcome any tool that will help in the pursuit of justice?
Baden comes close to stating he is an atheist- his reasoning? Hitler and the evil that men do. "How can God allow men to get away with this if He exists?" (paraphrase) The answer is, of course, He doesn't. No-one gets away with anything and all men will have to give an account for their actions to an Almighty God and will have an eternity to face the consequences. Like Baden's dismissal of profiling, his dismissal of God is very short-sighted and lacks a serious attempt to understand (at least based on what he says) evil in the scope of eternity. God has a solution through Jesus Christ but false religions have distorted the Christ of the Bible from those who ignore the Truth.
There are a few points, however, that keep me from giving it 5 stars.
Baden has little or no use for profiling. He summarily dismisses it with a somewhat lame excuse that any experienced detective can tell you the same things as a profiler. In doing this Baden dismisses an excellent tool that has been used to great effectiveness and promises to continue to do so. A few years back much forensic work was likewise dismissed as is lamented in this book. Why can't these guys just welcome any tool that will help in the pursuit of justice?
Baden comes close to stating he is an atheist- his reasoning? Hitler and the evil that men do. "How can God allow men to get away with this if He exists?" (paraphrase) The answer is, of course, He doesn't. No-one gets away with anything and all men will have to give an account for their actions to an Almighty God and will have an eternity to face the consequences. Like Baden's dismissal of profiling, his dismissal of God is very short-sighted and lacks a serious attempt to understand (at least based on what he says) evil in the scope of eternity. God has a solution through Jesus Christ but false religions have distorted the Christ of the Bible from those who ignore the Truth.
November 22, 2015
I thought this book was very good. It kept me captivated and intrueged. Dead Reckoning is about forensic science. A former forensic scientist takes you into his world, showing you what happens behind the scenes of crimes, and how crimes are solved. Each chapter is a different aspect of the crime scenes. It shows you things like autopsies, how blood splatters vary and what it could mean, and also, what occurs in the court room, as well as many other things. I would definitly reccomend this book to people instrested or curious about forensic science, like crime scenes and behind the scenes of them. I loved how you got to see from a workers perspective, the facts, not the glorified version. I have always been curious and interested in hearing about things like crimes, wether its on the news or in a book. There wasn't much about the book I disliked, although it could get a little bit boring in some parts. Mostly, it's captivating and interesting, for a person like me at least, who likes this kind of stuff.
February 6, 2016
One of the things we have to do in class is recognize who the book was written for. I would put this book as the casual interested 'normal person', as well at a student just starting in the field, to get a general scope of what's involved.
I really really enjoyed it. It was easy and very enjoyable to read, and despite the (sometimes) graphic material depicted, it was one I reached for automatically to read over my morning breakfast and tea.
If you are at all curious about forensic pathology, or at all about how trace and physical evidence is collected and who does what, this book acts as a great overview of that world.
I really really enjoyed it. It was easy and very enjoyable to read, and despite the (sometimes) graphic material depicted, it was one I reached for automatically to read over my morning breakfast and tea.
If you are at all curious about forensic pathology, or at all about how trace and physical evidence is collected and who does what, this book acts as a great overview of that world.
December 8, 2010
An informative book concerning forensic sciences. Although Baden seems to be a highly respected, competent medical examiner and forensic pathologist, he clearly does not give much thought to areas he considers useless (i.e. profiling and creation). It was ironic that he was discussing what he calls "junk science" and says that he considers junk science to include when people tout unproven theories as facts, yet he blindly believes that the myriad of complex organs in our body just evolved one by one over time.
February 11, 2012
Yet another in a series of books I have read about forensic investigation, this time written by a former NYC chief medical examiner who has autopsied thousands of bodies. In addition to presenting some interesting, and sometimes high-profile, cases, the author spends time discussing the ethics behind being a forensic investgator and brings up some surprising points, such as evidence discovered may never make it into the courtroom if it does not support the position of whichever side hired the investigation. Recommended.
March 7, 2016
Informative and interesting and has some short history lessons on forensics. Does fall short of a clear explanation of why a case fell through or came together but still gives fascinating and raw look at forensics.
Michael Baden does talk a little about the O.J. Simpson and the "Wood Chipper Murder" cases and the autopsies.
Michael Baden does talk a little about the O.J. Simpson and the "Wood Chipper Murder" cases and the autopsies.
November 21, 2008
Good for someone new to the subject of forensic science, but a little too basic for me. Also, some of the writing was a bit self-aggrandizing...
~Stephanie
~Stephanie
November 15, 2021
Fascinating, highly readable account of the role of the medical examiner in the USA – performing autopsies, determining cause of death, etc. Baden talks you through the routines of autopsy, pulling no punches. Very direct, very matter of fact, very informative.
Baden was involved as a forensic expert in several of the most publicised cases in US courts – including the Kennedy assassination and the murder of O.J. Simpson's wife.
He seems to have been a fascinating man – grew up in poverty, worked his way out of it. He makes dissection and the search for cause of death a highly professional task, but one which involves certain routines and a disciplined approach to preserving evidence while maintaining an open mind.
He never forgets that the dead were once alive, that their bodies need to be treated with respect and decency. He recounts how, as a wet-behind-the-ears intern, he'd helped treat a woman who had attempted to slash her wrists. Later that evening, moonlighting as a medical examiner, he was called out to certify as dead the very same woman. She'd jumped from the roof of her building. He looked at her flat – the evidence of poverty and desperation … the backstory to death.
He comments that you can't simply moralise when you treat someone with obvious needle tracks on their arms or reeking of booze. There's a story behind their pain. You can't just treat the wound … you need to hear their story, you need to identify the source of their pain and engage with that.
An excellent, thought-provoking read and a fascinating insight into the world which TV shows like 'Quincy' can only bowdlerise.
Baden also provides a chapter in which he discusses miscarriages of justice through professional incompetence, laziness and the corruption of forensic examiners and 'expert witnesses'. It's a salutary lesson which should be compulsory reading for anyone working in the criminal justice field. His message - the rich can afford plenty of expert witnesses to refute anything the State throws at them: the poor can't afford to challenge the State's evidence – they depend on public defenders who are underpaid and overworked.
Fine book.
Baden was involved as a forensic expert in several of the most publicised cases in US courts – including the Kennedy assassination and the murder of O.J. Simpson's wife.
He seems to have been a fascinating man – grew up in poverty, worked his way out of it. He makes dissection and the search for cause of death a highly professional task, but one which involves certain routines and a disciplined approach to preserving evidence while maintaining an open mind.
He never forgets that the dead were once alive, that their bodies need to be treated with respect and decency. He recounts how, as a wet-behind-the-ears intern, he'd helped treat a woman who had attempted to slash her wrists. Later that evening, moonlighting as a medical examiner, he was called out to certify as dead the very same woman. She'd jumped from the roof of her building. He looked at her flat – the evidence of poverty and desperation … the backstory to death.
He comments that you can't simply moralise when you treat someone with obvious needle tracks on their arms or reeking of booze. There's a story behind their pain. You can't just treat the wound … you need to hear their story, you need to identify the source of their pain and engage with that.
An excellent, thought-provoking read and a fascinating insight into the world which TV shows like 'Quincy' can only bowdlerise.
Baden also provides a chapter in which he discusses miscarriages of justice through professional incompetence, laziness and the corruption of forensic examiners and 'expert witnesses'. It's a salutary lesson which should be compulsory reading for anyone working in the criminal justice field. His message - the rich can afford plenty of expert witnesses to refute anything the State throws at them: the poor can't afford to challenge the State's evidence – they depend on public defenders who are underpaid and overworked.
Fine book.
September 25, 2024
I would give this book a 4.5 for non-fiction. I was forced to give it a 4. The team of Marion Roach and Dr. Michael Baden works well to be in the sweet speed in the middle of a triangle whose vertices could be labelled "ghoulish but witty nerdpeak" and "I can't believe that case was so badly botched." Dr. Baden was a consummate professional. An exemplar of a highly trained medical professional working in the public's interest who never sought the limelight. The limelight sought him. and he consulted on some of the most high profile cases of the 20th century, including the Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman murders.
The book was published in 2001, so it doesn't include the cases of Ferguson, Missouri's Michael Brown or the Trial of Phil Spector. He also opined that Jeffery Epstein's autopsy was more consistent with homicide than suicide by hanging. Also not in the book. Dr. Baden is 90 years old, so I don't expect him to write and addendum to "Dead Reckoning." It's a great reference for people considering a career in forensic pathology or crime fiction. Not for the faint of heart.
The book was published in 2001, so it doesn't include the cases of Ferguson, Missouri's Michael Brown or the Trial of Phil Spector. He also opined that Jeffery Epstein's autopsy was more consistent with homicide than suicide by hanging. Also not in the book. Dr. Baden is 90 years old, so I don't expect him to write and addendum to "Dead Reckoning." It's a great reference for people considering a career in forensic pathology or crime fiction. Not for the faint of heart.
February 12, 2025
I picked up Dead Reckoning because I was familiar with Michael Baden from HBO’s Autopsy series, expecting a compelling deep dive into forensic pathology and high-profile cases. Unfortunately, this book didn’t quite deliver what I was hoping for.
Rather than an engaging, case-driven forensic read, much of the book felt like a meandering collection of personal anecdotes and self-promotion. While Baden’s career is undeniably fascinating, the storytelling here lacked the gripping energy I expected. The pacing dragged, and instead of diving into forensic details or offering fresh insights, the book often felt more like a retrospective on his career than a true forensic analysis.
One of the more interesting moments was the mention that men struggled more at the autopsy table than women—a fun observation, but not enough to carry the book. Overall, Dead Reckoning wasn’t as engaging or insightful as I’d hoped. If you’re deeply interested in Baden’s career, you might enjoy it more, but if you’re looking for a riveting forensic read, there are stronger books out there.
Rather than an engaging, case-driven forensic read, much of the book felt like a meandering collection of personal anecdotes and self-promotion. While Baden’s career is undeniably fascinating, the storytelling here lacked the gripping energy I expected. The pacing dragged, and instead of diving into forensic details or offering fresh insights, the book often felt more like a retrospective on his career than a true forensic analysis.
One of the more interesting moments was the mention that men struggled more at the autopsy table than women—a fun observation, but not enough to carry the book. Overall, Dead Reckoning wasn’t as engaging or insightful as I’d hoped. If you’re deeply interested in Baden’s career, you might enjoy it more, but if you’re looking for a riveting forensic read, there are stronger books out there.
May 4, 2020
This is a book about forensic pathology and is not for the squeamish. If that sort of topic doesn't bother you there are a lot of interesting facts in here about how bodies are examined in a homicide investigation. There are a lot of side notes too. The author was called in as a consultant during the O.J. Simpson case and he makes very clear that the entire forensic examination of the bodies was screwed up from the very beginning. He also goes into biographical sketches of physicians famous in the forensic field. He takes the reader inside a yearly convention in Reno, Nevada that presents workshops to medical examiners and law enforcement on the latest info in the field.
This book was written nearly 20 years ago but is, nevertheless, quite informative. He gets a bit carried away with sidebars which caused me to rate it four stars instead of five.
This book was written nearly 20 years ago but is, nevertheless, quite informative. He gets a bit carried away with sidebars which caused me to rate it four stars instead of five.
January 13, 2021
A good book offering insights into cases that hit the news around the time of writing. Published in 2001, I suppose it seems a bit dated now. But the author offers some real insight and real science regarding the deaths of many famous people...
One such case was that of Lonnie Ted Binion, the famous former owner of Binion's Horseshoe who lost not only the casino but his gambling license (and Vegas is surprisingly strict about meeting its standards to possess one).
He points out one glaring bit of sloppiness in the OJ Simpson trial: the mishandling of Nicole's body that destroyed the drops of blood on her back, evidence that could have shed a great deal more light on who murdered her.
The author, Dr Michael Braden, has been involved with so many high-profile cases in some capacity that his book is sure to be an entertaining read.
One such case was that of Lonnie Ted Binion, the famous former owner of Binion's Horseshoe who lost not only the casino but his gambling license (and Vegas is surprisingly strict about meeting its standards to possess one).
He points out one glaring bit of sloppiness in the OJ Simpson trial: the mishandling of Nicole's body that destroyed the drops of blood on her back, evidence that could have shed a great deal more light on who murdered her.
The author, Dr Michael Braden, has been involved with so many high-profile cases in some capacity that his book is sure to be an entertaining read.
May 22, 2018
Dead reckoning was a very misleading book. While it started off with what really happens in an autopsy, it began to be off tracked, misleading and even egotistical. There was more he could have written about the autopsies themselves, rather than rambling off on other stuff, such as a whole section dedicated to Henry C. Lee. It became more and more frustrating to read, as I wanted to learn about autopsies,and how they discover things due to certain color of the organs or smell. Not how much skill Micheal Baden has and how many cases he has been on. However, I did enjoy some of the tellings of the crime, and when he really explained what happened in an autopsy.
December 26, 2022
This book was a very good insight into the world of criminal pathology and a behind the scenes look at what goes on during an autopsy.
I enjoyed the explanation of a range of crimes used to demonstrate points within each chapter.
The only downfall I found was the last 2 chapters were less engaging that the others. Perhaps because they were less medical and didn’t have any many anecdotal stories in.
Overall fascinating read!
I enjoyed the explanation of a range of crimes used to demonstrate points within each chapter.
The only downfall I found was the last 2 chapters were less engaging that the others. Perhaps because they were less medical and didn’t have any many anecdotal stories in.
Overall fascinating read!
September 19, 2017
I was required to read this novel for my CSI class in college. It was a little gory at times but overall, an interesting and addicting read for anyone who is interested in pursuing a field in criminal justice or forensic science, especially from the coroner's perspective. I haven't read it several years but I would definitely pick it up again if I found it for under five dollars.
February 8, 2018
"Normal people" admire Batman, Superman, or the like. Dr. Baden is my hero! He is extremely intelligent, professional, and distinguished all rolled into one. So this book is one of the best in my personal library, one of those that I could read, reread and still love even more every time. It’s full of details, and leaves no questions when your done. Dr. Baden is AMAZING!
September 17, 2021
This book was written in 2000, and so is quite dated in terms of scientific advances (of which there have been many) in the last 20 years. But that fault is more than made up for by the author's story-telling of MANY famous cases he has been involved with. (LAPD botched the OJ case even more than I had realized). A very interesting book for anyone interested in true crime or forensics.
July 29, 2018
Am interesting read about forensic pathology
September 19, 2018
Interesting read, but I was hoping it would be more in depth. I enjoyed it though.
October 10, 2018
I love Dr. Michael Baden so muuuuch!
February 1, 2019
Some really interesting chapters...and some I had to skip so I didn't throw up. Easy read overall, lots of interesting info. Review to come.
April 8, 2024
A very interesting book with a lot of behind the scenes revelations. The authors give a history of forensics, along with some fascinating details about notorious cases.
December 11, 2024
Really fascinating book if you're into the amazing wonders of the human body. Creepy... definitely creepy... but captivating nonetheless.
November 28, 2016
Dead Reckoning- The New Science Of Catching Killers
For my nonfiction book review I read, Dead Reckoning. I was not extremely impressed with the novel. While there were some interesting parts I found the story as a whole very slow and non intriguing which I wasn’t expecting at all. I’m very interested in forensic science about this book was not even close to a page turner. The author was very aware that he is good at his profession and he was extremely egotistical. However, I did find that the book taught me a lot about how to identify certain things on a body. I definitely know more now about forensics than I did before.
Michael Baden, an experienced man with a story to tell takes you into the deeper parts of what it takes to be a forensic examiner. The book tells of multiple bodies and what happened to them.
I would not recommend this book to high schoolers or anyone because it is very hard to follow and gets a bit too technical at times for anyone's liking. If you are looking for a challenging read then I would recommend it. Overall, I would not recommend this book.
For my nonfiction book review I read, Dead Reckoning. I was not extremely impressed with the novel. While there were some interesting parts I found the story as a whole very slow and non intriguing which I wasn’t expecting at all. I’m very interested in forensic science about this book was not even close to a page turner. The author was very aware that he is good at his profession and he was extremely egotistical. However, I did find that the book taught me a lot about how to identify certain things on a body. I definitely know more now about forensics than I did before.
Michael Baden, an experienced man with a story to tell takes you into the deeper parts of what it takes to be a forensic examiner. The book tells of multiple bodies and what happened to them.
I would not recommend this book to high schoolers or anyone because it is very hard to follow and gets a bit too technical at times for anyone's liking. If you are looking for a challenging read then I would recommend it. Overall, I would not recommend this book.
June 9, 2009
This is a very informative book on the work of a forensic pathologist. Michael Baden really knows what he is talking about, having worked as a pathologist in New York City for many years, even hosting his own show called Autopsy on HBO. The book goes into very vivid detail so it really isn't for squeamish people.
There is also no shortage of a personal touch by way of a very distinct tone from the author. Dr. Baden goes into great detail in examining the cases of Jonbenet Ramsey and O.J. Simpson and why the pathology in the cases went so wrong as to leave them unsolved.
All in all, a very interesting read for anyone interested in forensic science and pathology.
There is also no shortage of a personal touch by way of a very distinct tone from the author. Dr. Baden goes into great detail in examining the cases of Jonbenet Ramsey and O.J. Simpson and why the pathology in the cases went so wrong as to leave them unsolved.
All in all, a very interesting read for anyone interested in forensic science and pathology.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews