Forensics for Dummies

by D.P. Lyle

A plain-English primer on crime scene investigation that's a must for fans of CSI or Patricia Cornwell
Since the O. J. Simpson case, popular interest in forensic science has exploded: CBS's CSI has 16 to 26 million viewers every week, and Patricia Cornwell's novels featuring a medical examiner sleuth routinely top bestseller lists, to cite just a few examples. Now, everyone can get the lowdown on the science behind crime scene investigations. Using lots of fascinating case studies, forensics expert Dr. D. P. Lyle clues people in on everything from determining cause and time of death to fingerprints, fibers, blood, ballistics, forensic computing, and forensic psychology. With its clear, entertaining explanations of forensic procedures and techniques, this book will be an indispensable reference for mystery fans and true crime aficionados everywhere-and even includes advice for people interested in forensic science careers.
D. P. Lyle, MD (Laguna Hills, CA), is a practicing cardiologist who is also a forensics expert and mystery writer. He runs a Web site that answers writers' questions about forensics, dplylemd.com, and is the author of Murder and Mayhem: A Doctor Answers Medical and Forensic Questions for Writers, as well as several mystery novels. John Pless, MD, is Professor Emeritus of Pathology at Indiana University School of Medicine and former President of the National Association of Medical Examiners.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Reference, Crime, Science, Mystery, Education

356 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2004

About the author

DP Lyle, MD is the Macavity and Benjamin Franklin Silver Award winning and Edgar, Agatha, Anthony, Scribe, Silver Falchion, and USA Best Book Award nominated author of many non-fiction books as well as numerous works of fiction.

He has worked with many novelists and with the writers of popular television shows such as Law & Order, CSI: Miami, Diagnosis Murder, Monk, House, Medium, and Pretty Little Liars and others

For the past 35 years, he has practiced Cardiology in Orange County, California. He is the co-host, along with Jan Burke, of Crime and Science Radio, a twice-monthly program on Suspense Radio.

Reviews

[Rachel Bayles · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are contemplating a life of crime, there are about 836 scientific reasons in this book not to.

[Vikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interseting read, delves deep into forensic science but not overly complicated language as some forensic books I have read. Highly recommended to people thinking of working in the forensic field.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great reference book for crime and thriller writers. Or even just a forensics aficionado who wants a greater understanding of the forensics on the crime and procedural shows that are so popular at the moment. It does a good job of giving you an overview of the science without being so technical that it's overwhelming or difficult to understand.

[Jennifer Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to have on any writer's shelf as a quick easy to use reference. My only complaint is this series as a rule has limited photos. I am such a ghoul that I actually want a visual aid when blunt trauma investigation is being described.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good. At one time I wanted to be a Medical Examiner. Scary I know!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should be reprinted as "How Not to Get Away With Crime"

[Ahmet · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good start for future criminals.

[BabyLunLun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a true crime junkie . Of course I will love this. I didn't know that I find Forensics so fascinating ( even though I am a total noob when it comes to biology ) But its truly a fascinating topic that combines all sciences into a wonderful subject in itself. I am not a fan of the sciences but I love reading about how they come together to crack a case.

What most interest me that warrant a further reading - Bloodstain Analysis , Criminal profiling . thats about it

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The forensics team have different types of specialists in different fields of forensics, there is a finger printing specialist, specialist that does autopsys, and many others. One of the main technique in the field of forensics is finger printing. Eac individual has his/her own unique finger print design, and everyoens finger pins are stored in a system known as AFIS, automated fingerprint identification system. This system can help analyze finger prints can track down the criminal in a matter of seconds. There are also ways to tell how a person wa skilled by looking at the location of the blood and its shape.

[Karen Magill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that this is not a book that I am going to read cover to cover - it is too technical for that. But, as a writer of paranormal mysteries, it is a must have reference book. There is so much information that I take a look through when I am in the planning stages of each book I write. As well, it is one that I can refer back to.

[jess baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

really is for dummies (i.e. sans academia diction). interesting - learning about forensics from a amateur point-of-view.

[Ronda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting information

[D.]

Forensics For Dummies by Douglas P. Lyle (2004)

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great overview of the basics of forensic science and many of its subspecialties. Recommended for any novice with curiousity about the secrets of forensic science.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative. I haven't given it a five as it's only written in American English and goes by American Law.

[Carolee]

Actually ... some articles instilled nausea (that says soooo much) - VERY good descriptions and relevant topics.

[Anne Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the lover of things forensic, the author of crime novels, or the screen writer of that next thriller in which a murder is committed, this is the book for you. Well-written, I'll put on my editor's cap and say that I found only one comma misplaced. The book is well-organized, and gives sufficient detail to each of the subject areas under the broad heading of "forensics" to keep the above-mentioned author or screenwriter from placing a foot squarely in their mouth—or in their book or movie.

It's also delightful in its presentation, with titles to areas that will make you grin, or perhaps cringe. Examples: "Chumming Around: The Shark Arm Murder," "A Shocking Situation: Electrocution," "Leaving Impressive Impressions: Shoes, Tires, and Tools." Such is not relegated to titles, but also extends into the body of the manuscript. Perhaps my favorite—so much so that I marked it in the book with a tab—is the following statement regarding mummification: "The process of mummification actually is similar to the process of making beef jerky. In both situations, moisture is removed, causing drying (mummification) of the body's tissues or the meat. Bon appétit!" Yes, you may call me macabre, but then when dealing with dirty deeds and the dead, being able to escape the less pleasant aspects of the work with a little humor should be forgiven.

This book will find its place on my shelf of most coveted reference materials for my own writing. As a lover of things forensic and someone who laments having not actually entered one of the forensic specialties, I found it (should I say this?) delightful.

[. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 звезди

Ставам все по-голям фен на книгите от поредицата "за начинаещи" (for Dummies).

Книжката беше доста приятна, до колкото една книга за убийства и престъпления може да бъде приятна.

Полето на криминалистиката и съдебната медицина избощо не ми е интересно, но все пак е добре човек (особено предвид това, че имам изпит по съдебна медицина) да има обща култура извън сериалите по телевизията.

Слушах аудиокнигата от Сторител на английски и си купих на хартия бг превода за да си го имам за спомен в библиотеката. Не мога да кажа колко е добър преводът, на няколко места когато лушах докато четох едновременно не беше лош.

Препоръчвам книгата, като въведение в съдебната медицина за студенти от медицинските университети.

Трябва да кажа, че не съм бил суууупер възможно най-концентриран докато слушах книгата, преди да напиша ревюто я преразгледах и видях на много места неща, които са ми заобиколили ушите. Мислех да напиша, че има доста общи приказки, но всъщност на второ (полу) четене бих казал, че си е доста подробна като за въвеждаща книга - все пак е към 400 стр.

Гласът на аудиото е на Chris Sorensen, който ми е познат (от Невронаука за НАЧИНАЕЩИ - която също е страхотна книга въведение за невронауките) и съм му свикнал, макар, че не бих казал, че е особено приятен. Например започнах да слушам Психология за НАЧИНАЕЩИ и английският глас там е по-добър.

нз друго какво да кажа. Очакваме резултат от изпита :)

[Ann Cathey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to know a little something about how the investigative stuff on your favorite forensics show is supposed to work? This volume gives a nifty overview, and a definite point of reference for launching your own, deeper, research. Read the truth about what supposedly happens in a one hour program - but in reality takes days, weeks, even months, if it can be done at all.

[Harbir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for people new to forensics! I bought it as a refresher guide to forensics as I've been doing forensics for 6 years at school and university and now i specialise in a certain area i wanted to make sure i still knew the basic forensic principles for jobs and assessment centers.

It is a great read for those who want to know more about the forensic would and easy to follow for beginners.

[David Liscio · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a crime writer, I'm always looking for specific details, especially if they involve police procedures and forensics. This seemingly basic book has provided me with plenty of information and led me in the right direction whenever I needed to find another reference source.

[Adam Windsor · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want an introduction to how forensics works, as-of-2005 (when this was released), then the book certainly seems to have you covered. It'd be a useful tool for someone wanting to write somewhat authentic fiction, for instance.

[Neilie J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but kind of dry. I like the straightforward, plain-language approach, but having read other books on forensics before, it didn't teach me much. Probably the perfect book for someone just starting to learn about forensics.

[L.B. Holding · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just what I needed to figure out a good poison for my book. I took pages and pages of notes and borrowed this book at least three times in the last five months. If you write thriller or mystery, this one belongs on your shelf. At least three times.

[Elizabeth Petty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a creep, I just like science. I feel like I need to specify why I bought this; science and curiosity. I like mystery books, I'm more interested in the psychology and biological parts of this, so I might actually get the psychology for dummies book. Fun read

[Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome intro - accessable to those who know absolutely nothing about forensics and had some really interesting material

[Warren Rainer · Rating 4 out of 5]

useful information presented in an understandable format.

[Trojan]

Good book

[Jonah Willard. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative and easy to understand the concept being discussed but was occasionally boring.

[tom · Rating 2 out of 5]

i like the bits that haughtily go on about "what TV and the movies get wrong", as if most "real" forensics isn't also pseudoscience carried out for show.