The Real Silent Witnesses: Shocking cases from the World of Forensic Science

by Wensley Clarkson, Nigel McCrery (Foreword)

WITH A FOREWORD BY NIGEL McCRERY, CREATOR OF SILENT WITNESSGoing beyond the popular TV show, this is the true story of forensic science from those who solve crimes without witnesses. How do you identify a serial killer?What are the tell-tale signs of guilt?Can we now solve the unsolvable?Since even before the first season of Silent Witness in 1996, forensic science has played an increasingly important role in the investigation of violent crimes.With a boom in cold-blooded cases throughout the 1980s, police began to rely on DNA evidence to help them find perpetrators and since then forensic science has taken off as a powerful tool in solving murders. Bestselling true crime author Wensley Clarkson takes us beyond the headlines to examine the real-life stories where forensics have played a crucial role. He speaks to experts who have worked on the most gruesome, most chilling and most shocking crime scenes and explains how notorious criminal cases from across the world were solved.And he shows how the silent witness is often the one who screams the loudest.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Crime, Science, Medical, History, Audiobook

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2021

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting and informative book about the world of forensic science both in fiction and reality.

I really enjoy the British TV drama, silent witness so when I saw this book I had to read it and it didn't disappoint.

This book covers forensic science techniques, real cases where forensic science has proved pivotal in solving a case or where it has gone wrong and a bit of background info about the drama silent witness.

I found this book to be very informative without at any point being dry or boring. The cases covered were very interesting but not too detailed which I prefer.

This book strikes a good balance between highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of forensic science, which I think is important to maintain fairness.

Unfortunately, this does spoil the end of season 23, so if you haven't watched up to that point yet I would wait until you have.

I highly recommend this book to all true crime fans alike whether you enjoy silent witness or not, I think you'll love this book.

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I’ll be the first to admit, I am a massive fan of the Silent Witness show on the BBC as well as having a keen interest in forensic science and the processes of forensic medicine. This book was perfect.

With a great foreword by the TVs shows creator and after a great introduction, the book gets straight into it. With Act one as a great sum up and overall of the forensic field, with so many fantastic and insightful topics covered, there are too many to mention.

Getting a snapshot into the minds and jobs of the amazing people working in this field was brilliant, and the whole book was so delicately and respectfully written. It’s also split into plenty of easily digestible chapters so you’re never too overwhelmed with the subject matter and content and it certainly isn’t drawling. It’s such an interesting book.

Act two then discusses ‘the real cases’ and details many real world applications of forensic science and how it has helped to uncover crimes, criminals and crack cold cases to name a few, with names and examples of past crimes and murders. Proceeding onto act three which discusses the TV show, it’s successes and foibles, its creation and prolonged popularity was fantastic to read.

Overall, this book was brilliant and incredibly interesting. A testament to the field and a great insight into the workings of forensic science.

[Leah K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, The Real Silent Witnesses, is a mashup of history, crime cases (solved and unsolved), and the show Silent Witness (British). I found the cases and history interesting, although it seemed somewhat rush. The intro talks about the show and I feel like that was enough but it was brought up again in the last 30 minutes of the book. With how short the book is and how many cases they cram into the book, I would have preferred more time spent on the REAL Silent Witnesses (hence the title). A quick, interesting book but I've definitely read better in the true crime genre.

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very odd book; it seems almost to have been written by two authors. The first half is badly written with pretty ordinary prose while the second half is far more literary and readable. All that aside, the topic is interesting and I learned things I'd not know about before. Might have to go through the book again, though, to pick-up on names and events about which I want to learn the deeper story. Some sections of the book are so cursory that they wouldn't even qualify as amuse bouche at a dinner party. Good book for ripping through at speed, being not too challenged (except perhaps by subject matter).

[Holly Hoare · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid fan of Silent Witness (I watched 11 series last year) I couldn’t wait to get my hands on The Real Silent Witnesses, and it didn’t disappoint.

Clarkson has taught me so much and it’s made me realise that forensic science isn’t a new concept, the key contributors to it’s history and the impact of Silent Witness on the public.

It hasn’t occurred to me that Silent Witness and others could potentially affect judge’s rulings but honestly it makes sense, the amount of true crime we see nowadays is astonishing, this book has instilled that!

[Becki Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating account of what happens with forensics and how scientific advancements have been the downfall of some of the world’s most prolific offenders.

A definite must for all Silent Witness fans.

[Marina Pavlichenko · Rating 1 out of 5]

Бессистемная, скучная книга, которую не спасло даже упоминание сериала "Безмолвный свидетель" направо и налево. Непонятно, для кого она написана и зачем.

Интересующимся темой очень рекомендую "Неестественные причины" Ричарда Шепарда.

[Sharon Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting book which covered a range of real cases to highlight the different ways forensic science was used to help solve the case.

[Joseph Whelan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the first part of the book very interesting, it is filled with fascinating facts about Crime Scene Investigation and charts the major developments in forensic science. Howey I found the second part of the book a bit repetitive as it was just a list of famous cases. I didn't think the final part about the TV series was interesting or relevant.

[Lesley Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

First part of the book looks at the history of forensic testing with an emphasis on DNA 🧬 and peppered with case examples. This is detailed and in part interesting.

Second part is all case examples and how science assisted, then cold cases (which is really reopened cases), cases where dna has lead to incorrect findings, missing persons. Some high profile cases here. Most of this blurs into one case. It’s literally case after case after case for well over 100 pages.

Last part is about silent witness the tv show. The book didn’t need this section.

Overall there are interesting elements of this book, but it really felt like the author was writing an essay and trying to up their word count.

Appreciate this focuses on the forensic lab testing rather than post mortems, but Richard Shepard’s book is a million times more interesting.

[Jen Surname · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing. There are many better books in this genre, and ones where the narrator doesn’t do weird accents throughout.

Those accents were really distracting, and started to wind me up after a while. Apparently everyone in America sounds like they’re straight out of the Bronx, everyone in London has a deep voice and sounds like the should be in Eastenders, and the Scouse accent made my ears bleed.

I can’t even focus on the content of the book thanks to this. 🤯

[Chelsea R.H. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't my favourite. I didn't realise it was a tie in to the show Silent Witness, which I've never seen so that immediately lowered my interest in it, since it kept referring to the show and it's characters. It also just didn't have much information in it, and only covered extremely famous cases. I guess if you liked the show and are interested in learning what's real and what's fictional in it, it might be good for you!

[Jan frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thundering Good Read t

The author gives a timeline for how DNA was firstly discovered right though it's progression and to its uses and application today. He also gives a very readable list of all the forensic science disciplines available and their useful applications in solving crimes today.
The case examples given where forensic science s have been utilised are mainly cases from the UK, which makes a good change as it breaks that unwritten rule that only crimes from the USA are to be used. As such, it is a good and relatively more interesting read.
The style of writing draws you a vivid picture and the case choices by the author are detailed but keep to the point making the whole book readable, interesting, informative and makes the reader want to keep reading.
I found the whole book well written. You come away knowing that you have learned something but have also been entertained.
A great book!

[Azrael · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting, but this felt like a bit of a disappointment. I found the information about the history and development of forensic science interesting and enlightening, but the writing of it was dull and difficult to get through - a very clinical and methodical approach.
It did improve in "Act 2", where the author discussed real cases that highlight the vital role of forensics. These stories had a more personal element, making them easier to engage with and less textbook feeling.
There is a lot more about the BBC drama Silent Witness than expected from the blurb. It was interesting to find out more about the show, but it's not really what I picked up the book for.
A methodically written book that explores the history of forensic science through the presentation of real cases and links to the long-running TV show. It's not really a bad book, it's just lacking something that made it not one for me, unfortunately.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a massive fan of Silent Witness for many years and I'm fascinated by the world of foresnics. This book provided an insight into the history of foresnics, such as the developing accuracy of DNA fingerprinting, and how it is applied to real-life cases. The book touched on old cases, some notorious and others less so, where forensic science was ultised to help solve and arrest the guilty party. It also mentioned cold cases that have been solved due to advances in technology, and cases that have continued to remain unsolved. I did find it a little repetitive at times but nonetheless, this was an enjoyable and interesting read!

[rita ♡₊⊹ · Rating 4 out of 5]

another forensic science book, what a shock I know (i live for this) - this was so informative about so many things in this field, it not only talked about cases but also how most of the proof and procedures began or were discovered, and the "firsts" of many things, so interesting!!!I liked how it had really well stablished chapters with distinct topics, it's what made it more informative but never dull or boring. Also, loved that they gave shoutout to big names in the forensic science field, at the beginning of the book and last chapter, and I have now memorized the name of the Dr. that inspired Sherlock Holmes (shoutout to you Dr. Joseph Bell)

[Regine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read by Ben Onwukwe

The true story of forensic science from those who solve crimes without witnesses

Absolutely loved this audiobook, apart from the fact that Ben Onwukwe has an incredible voice, it was fascinating to learn more about the intricacies of forensic science, e.g. how easily DNA is spread and, possibly the perfect murder! Cold cases and serial killers.

I have not watched an episode of Silent Witness, which has been airing since 1996! Keen to track it down, am sure it's a series that I will enjoy watching. 

[Julian Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instantly engaging and highly descriptive, the author profiles the industry and its emergence into such a prominent light, then uses case studies to show the impact that this science has had on law and order.

While using the TV show as a constant theme, he explains the very real nature of the stories and the need to ensure none are too close to real life, whilst remaining factually accurate.

A highly informative and entertaining read.

[Zoe Radley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing and fascinating look into what actually goes one behind the scenes of an investigation whether it be a murder or any other crime that needs forensics to help aid in the conviction of whoever has broken the law. And if you have or are a huge fan of the series Silent Witness, then I urge you to pick this book up as it informs as well as makes you realise that what you see on TV can at times be a bit exaggerated even if based on science.

[Georgina Bond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was ok but I don't think the author should've lumped every role together as "Forensic Scientist", as it detracts from the key work each discipline contributes. Also it's pretty inaccurate. A pathologist is a pathologist etc. I'm a mortuary assistant in a facility that deals with forensic cases, we would never call ourselves forensic scientists because it's just not accurate. It was an easy enough read but not a book id pick up again or recommend.

[Louise Patterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 100 pages or so are a rundown of the different scientific methods available in forensic pathology and is interesting but also, for me, frustrating as I tried to work my way through this to what I was expecting the book to be. I felt that the multitude of references to Silent Witness felt forced and sometimes unnecessary. The middle part where previous cases are reviewed was very interesting and definitely what I was expecting from this book. I’d give it a 3.5 if I could.

[Fishface · Rating 3 out of 5]

This proved to be a guided tour through a few of the better-known cases, chosen as likely to be of interest to fans of a long-running British forensic crime drama called SILENT WITNESSES. There was nothing very in-depth here, but most of the cases were interesting. The great virtue of this book is that it refuses to treat DNA testing as infallible and explains why it isn't, even giving examples of people wrongly convicted on incorrect DNA findings. Worth your time.

[Bekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a pretty big fan of silent witness anyway, so did really enjoy this book. It has a really good overview of all the changes and improvements that have been made in forensic science over the last several decades, and then highlights these with real life cases. Would have maybe liked a bit more detail on these cases, as some of them were quite brief, but I do think there was a good balance in providing enough information to demonstrate the authors point.

[Claire Trueman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic! I’m a complete book worm with the topic of this book been one of the category’s I love to read. As a paramedic who ends up seeing some of the horrific crimes such as this book talks about its fascinating to see the other side of things re forensics! Respectfully written and yet gripping - read it in one sitting.

[Kerry Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at how forensic Science has changed criminal investigations.

This was an interesting read. It touches on the TV show Silent witness and there is a fairly major spoiler if you haven't seen all the episodes like me. I liked the references though. This takes us through the various methods and then cases using them showing the good and bad sides which was fascinating. An enlightening read.

[Webb The Bookish (⁠ʘ⁠ᴗ⁠ʘ⁠✿⁠) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Profound and riveting. Distilling key insights and scientific milestones surrounding the world of forensic science.

A convening of brilliant minds and past events, laying the foundation for a marvel of TV drama of the real crime variety.

One of the few places where anyone can sneak a peek into the minds of practitioners of the forensic trade.

[Rachael Locker · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting book with real cases used, the beginning has a bit about the science of forensics and then later goes into real cases and how they were solved. A big chunk at the end is related to the tv show silent witness. It would have been a better read if it had more cases with more detail but overall not a bad book.

[Clive Rutland · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of the book was well written detailing the incremental development of DNA and forensic advances, albeit with constant referencing to the TV Silent Witness. The second half gave detailed descriptions of crimes that either, could not be solved, or had no forensic involvement. Disappointing.

[Dan Stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like all crime stories, both fiction and non fiction. It highlights how hard and how dedicated these people work for little credit. It's good that people are so dedicated.
This is a true account of what goes on behind the scenes.

[Sarah-Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting but very informative and gives a critical analysis of the show silent witness.
Quite long winded and repetitive in places, would only recommend reading if you've seen the show.