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Blood Secrets: Chronicles of a Crime Scene Reconstructionist
Blood Secrets reveals how forensic experts read the story of a murder told in the traces of blood left behind, providing crucial evidence that has helped convict criminals who might have otherwise walked free.
When Rod Englert began his career in law enforcement, virtually no police force in the world knew how to correctly examine blood spatter. He spent years studying and testing how blood behaves, pioneering a vital new tool that is now a part of any criminal investigation. In Blood Secrets he demonstrates how detectives and forensic experts use blood-spatter analysis to solve real cases.
How can the police tell what type of murder weapon was used when the body is missing and all that's left is a trace of gore? How can they tell if a victim was moved, or which person in a room fired the fatal shot? Englert lays out what he's learned on a variety of intriguing cases, from puzzling murders in tiny, remote towns to the highest-profile celebrity trials--including O. J. Simpson, Robert Blake, and many others.
Filled with fascinating details of forensic science and real-life CSI stories, Blood Secrets shows the techniques and tools used to decipher blood spatter's code.
286 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2010
20 people are currently reading
1383 people want to read
About the author
Rod Englert
1 book3 followersRod Englert, a forty-four-year veteran of law enforcement, is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, where he was president of the 159th Session. He is a member of the International Homicide Investigators Association; a past president of the Association of Crime Scene Reconstructionists; and a past president of the International Association of Blood Pattern Analysts. He lives in Oregon.
Kathy Passero is an award-winning writer and reporter and is the author of five non-fiction books on a variety of subjects. "
Kathy Passero is an award-winning writer and reporter and is the author of five non-fiction books on a variety of subjects. "
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 26, 2012
A pretty decent combination career memoir/true crime book. The author tells the story of how he started off as a Texas farm boy and wound up becoming one of that world's premier blood spatter experts, and recounts some of the many memorable cases he's been involved in (among them the OJ Simpson trial). Englert strikes the right balance between being informative and being accessible; the reader learns about blood spatter evidence without being overwhelmed by technical details and jargon. People who are interested in CSI-type shows and books will enjoy this. Though seeing the word "blood" over and over, with descriptions of how it sprayed and splashed and dripped and dribbled, may turn a few stomachs.
(After I read this book, glancing through his notes, I discovered the author had cited my own website, a missing persons database called the Charley Project, as a reference for his discussion of the Rolf Neslund case. I am flattered. This has nothing to do with my praising his book but I thought the reader should know/wanted an opportunity to brag.)
(After I read this book, glancing through his notes, I discovered the author had cited my own website, a missing persons database called the Charley Project, as a reference for his discussion of the Rolf Neslund case. I am flattered. This has nothing to do with my praising his book but I thought the reader should know/wanted an opportunity to brag.)
August 27, 2016
I enjoyed this book! This was a very easy read considering the subject matter. The author made it accessible to the layman by citing many real life cases, which were both engaging and heart-breaking, and by using simple language rather than over-complicating the terms and science behind it. I imagine he was channeling testifying to a jury while he was writing the book. He even says at one point that when testifying he tries to keep everything as simple as possible, so the jury doesn't get lost in trying to understand the scientific terms rather than understanding what the blood spatter is trying to convey. The only thing I was really disappointed about was there were a couple cases he talked about that felt more like blurbs and I wanted to know more about the case. But, then I guess that is what the Internet is good for.
August 5, 2010
The book's title seemed very promising. I am interested, as many of us are, in forensics and CSI-type shows. I thought this book would be more instructive about different kinds of blood evidence in law enforcement. Unfortunately, it is too much of a memoir, with a lot of information I didn't need about the author's life and advancement in his career. No offense, but I don't care! There are a lot of anecdotes about how some piece of blood evidence helped solved a crime, but this book was just not what I was hoping for!
May 29, 2010
Anyone whose eyes light up at the title of this book will thoroughly enjoy it. This book is kind of a career memoir of a policeman turned blood spatter expert, detailing the evolution of his career and how blood at a crime scene went from being a mess to providing precious additional information when it was documented, studied, and analyzed carefully.
Anybody hoping to get a detailed course on analyzing blood spatter may be disappointed since it only covers the basics of low, medium, and high velocity blood spatter, cast off blood spatter, and why people who cause bloody crimes aren't always covered in blood themselves. The author stresses over and over how studying this kind of thing in books doesn't ever come close to actual field experience, which is why the book is 1% blood spatter basics and 99% stories about cases in which blood spatter knowledge was added to because there was always something new to learn.
After reading this book, I have a greater appreciation for how important blood evidence is not just for the DNA it provides, but also for what facts the patterns and puddles it leaves behind can reveal to investigators.
Anybody hoping to get a detailed course on analyzing blood spatter may be disappointed since it only covers the basics of low, medium, and high velocity blood spatter, cast off blood spatter, and why people who cause bloody crimes aren't always covered in blood themselves. The author stresses over and over how studying this kind of thing in books doesn't ever come close to actual field experience, which is why the book is 1% blood spatter basics and 99% stories about cases in which blood spatter knowledge was added to because there was always something new to learn.
After reading this book, I have a greater appreciation for how important blood evidence is not just for the DNA it provides, but also for what facts the patterns and puddles it leaves behind can reveal to investigators.
July 24, 2019
Wow, this is one fascinating read about blood spatter analysis, which I thoroughly enjoyed right from the beginning! It is well-written and through the real life cases (including celebrity cases) shared by Englert in this book I learnt how blood pattern helps in solving murders. It is mind-blowing! Part of the book also talks about Englert's humble beginnings as a police officer to how he later on becomes one of the country's most sought after blood spatter analyst.
I certainly did learn quite a bit from this book. Some of the facts I find fascinating:
- The terminal velocity for blood spatter is at about fifteen feet;
- The first blow creates no blood spatter;
- Three basic types of blood stains - low-velocity spatter, medium-velocity spatter, high-velocity spatter - can help to determine type of weapons, and sometimes identity of the killer.
Favourite quotes:
- "To me, blood is a road map - a route that leads to the truth after a murder has been committed. It reveals what really happened before investigators reached the scene and began the painstaking process of piecing a broken puzzle back together. It tells what the victim can't and the killer won't."
- "The most important thing blood pattern analysis can do is speak for those who can't, whether they are victims of crime or people wrongly condemned."
- "Victims can no longer speak for themselves, but they leave a pure and candid account of their final, tragic moments written in their blood. If the people who can read that blood do not tell their stories, who will?"
Overall, this part true crime and part career memoir is one delightful read! It is replete with interesting information and the engaging writing makes this one easy to understand book. I highly recommend this book to forensics science and true crime aficionados. You will not be disappointed!
I certainly did learn quite a bit from this book. Some of the facts I find fascinating:
- The terminal velocity for blood spatter is at about fifteen feet;
- The first blow creates no blood spatter;
- Three basic types of blood stains - low-velocity spatter, medium-velocity spatter, high-velocity spatter - can help to determine type of weapons, and sometimes identity of the killer.
Favourite quotes:
- "To me, blood is a road map - a route that leads to the truth after a murder has been committed. It reveals what really happened before investigators reached the scene and began the painstaking process of piecing a broken puzzle back together. It tells what the victim can't and the killer won't."
- "The most important thing blood pattern analysis can do is speak for those who can't, whether they are victims of crime or people wrongly condemned."
- "Victims can no longer speak for themselves, but they leave a pure and candid account of their final, tragic moments written in their blood. If the people who can read that blood do not tell their stories, who will?"
Overall, this part true crime and part career memoir is one delightful read! It is replete with interesting information and the engaging writing makes this one easy to understand book. I highly recommend this book to forensics science and true crime aficionados. You will not be disappointed!
September 30, 2020
Rod does an excellent job of showing you his wealth of experience and knowledge on blood splatter. He talks about unusual and high-profile cases including the O J Simpsons case.
Rod tells you unusual facts that you wouldn’t expect, including blood splatter doesn’t necessarily cover the murder and the blood may get projected away from the murder weapon.
A lot of effort and painstaking detail goes into analysing a murder case and the technology and knowledge needs to be one step ahead of the murder.
The only criticism of the book is that I would have liked more in-depth information on the cases, but generally, a good book, written by one of the first blood splatter experts in the field.
Rod tells you unusual facts that you wouldn’t expect, including blood splatter doesn’t necessarily cover the murder and the blood may get projected away from the murder weapon.
A lot of effort and painstaking detail goes into analysing a murder case and the technology and knowledge needs to be one step ahead of the murder.
The only criticism of the book is that I would have liked more in-depth information on the cases, but generally, a good book, written by one of the first blood splatter experts in the field.
August 15, 2023
I’ve read and re-read this book 3 times and each time I find out something new. It is a fascinating look at the blood spatter forensic history. Mr. Englert knows his stuff and shares his knowledge with us using his personal crime files from 40+ years in law enforcement.
Please be aware that this book delves deeply into how and why crime scenes are the way they are with some photos that may be disturbing to see. If you don’t enjoy reading about “gross” stuff, you should probably leave this one alone. BUT, if you’re a crime junkie, you’ll want to add this one to your to-be-read list!
Please be aware that this book delves deeply into how and why crime scenes are the way they are with some photos that may be disturbing to see. If you don’t enjoy reading about “gross” stuff, you should probably leave this one alone. BUT, if you’re a crime junkie, you’ll want to add this one to your to-be-read list!
November 7, 2018
The forensic parts of the book were good. But I did not sign up to read so much autobiography. I respect people who work has mastery with all these crimes solving investigations in a specific area of the crime. I found myself skipping over parts to get the meat. I know many people liked all of it. I just grabbed it in a hurry since I love forensics stuff on cases especially if it is centered on one factor. Since that was a very informative part. I enjoyed it and learned more from it.
December 7, 2020
This was a bit light for forensics, but I skimmed around and found some of what I was looking for. I thought it was more about the police career of Rod Englert than how blood spatter reveals anything. There was so little scientific information that it barely lived up to anything close to what the title offered. I am not sure that you can talk about forensics if you don't talk about Daubert. That said there were so fairly interesting cases in the book.
3 stars
Happy Reading!
3 stars
Happy Reading!
November 5, 2019
Forensics and crime scene junkies, here ya go. It's terribly and horribly interesting, written by an expert in the bloodspatter "field" , outlining different cases he's worked on. My favorite part...the notes on the OJ Simpson case. He did it and we allllllllll know it. Here's another expert's take on the crime scene.
January 13, 2020
Blood Spatter
I enjoyed this book and learned from it. I always like hearing the personal stories and lessons from experts and Rod did not disappoint. If you enjoy learning about solving crimes, I recommend this book.
I enjoyed this book and learned from it. I always like hearing the personal stories and lessons from experts and Rod did not disappoint. If you enjoy learning about solving crimes, I recommend this book.
January 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. True accounts of horrific crimes analysed so well by one of America's best. He helped you understand what crime scene analysis involves and how it has evolved over the decades. Fascinating read.
June 24, 2017
Well written and interesting. Author used live stories to tell about the blood splatter technique in investigating crimes.
July 18, 2017
Fantastic. Quick paced, interesting and informative. It's books like this one that make random grabs from the bookshelf so much fun (when they're good!).
July 6, 2018
A few really good anecdotes but also a few editorial fumbles. It was a good overview of several high-profile cases, but lacking in scientific depth.
May 10, 2021
This book really needed a good editor. 1/2 of the book was not on blood secrets the supposed topic of the book. You will get more information watching Forensic Files and Dr. Henry Lee documentaries.
June 2, 2021
One of my favorite books. This was the book that got me more interested in nonfiction, because it was so compelling and interesting.
February 22, 2023
Yes very accurate.
December 20, 2023
One of the fastest reads I’ve ever done. So unbelievably keen for this to be my job
October 23, 2016
Interesting. Accessible. Well-written. I enjoyed it!
April 2, 2016
Review Originally Posted At: FictionForesight
Rod Englert promised to deliver some great information about blood spatter and the developing field that he is an expert in, but failed to deliver. I had to bounce between 3 and 4 stars since the book itself was enjoyable, but just not what I was looking for based on the description.
I was disappointed to find that the information pertaining to blood spatter analysis is pretty basic. There were some details that could be learned in any introductory forensics class, with even less information than what I was taught in high school, peppered throughout a book of memoirs. Maybe I should have been prepared since the title says “chronicles” of the crime scene reconstructionist, but I had hoped for more information from someone touting so much expertise. That’s not to say the memoirs weren’t interesting, but frankly I didn’t pick this book up to learn that he fed tortillas to his cows at one point. I came here for blood spatter and I only got a drop.
When he talks about his work, there are some interesting cases that obviously related to blood spatter in some way. He starts out with background autobiography about how he began going into the police force and started his interest in blood spatter evidence, then begins fragmented descriptions of cases that I wish had been more fleshed out in detail. This is most evident when he reviews his efforts in the O.J. Simpson case, and pieces together references to it throughout the book instead of compiling it neatly in a singular location. His opinions on some elements of impartiality and remaining ambivalent to the outcome also seem to fade the longer he talks about the O.J. Simpson case. This was obviously a tough case for him, and his descriptions especially left me doubting his credibility on the topic
I had some issues with his closing opinions. Mainly, it was that an expert had pointed out that a toothbrush covered in blood could mimic the blood spatter pattern, but he felt it was an asinine argument. I think it’s actually a fair one, considering that there is a case for staged crime scenes, and that you cannot always rule out the zebra in a herd of horses.
Finally, he seems to feel that one cannot just enter the crime scene reconstruction field without immense experience as a police officer or other related jobs. Yet he cites countless times where students in High School or those not involved in those fields helped solve a case that he could not. It just seems a little egotistical to heft around his experience but then still admit to relying on the viewpoint of outsiders to solve the case because he could not see something in a way they could. A lot of blood spatter analysis is being able to look at the spatter and say “hey, this is x velocity and goes in y direction” and anything can be recreated in a lab setting, as he admits. I think it’s great that he values the opinions of others in work and it’s good that he’s humble enough to do that, but I feel that it disproves his idea of needing the years and years of experience when a High School student finds the solution to a case with no previous forensic training.
If you’re looking for interesting cases, and want a little information about blood spatter, then this is the book for you. It was enjoyable to read, plain and simple. Towards the end he does seem to ramble, but I wonder if he had a page goal to meet, because he goes onto a tangent about experiences in Russia and Bogata that don’t really deal with cases at all. I think it’s a good choice for the amateur sleuth or anyone looking to freak out their coworkers at lunch.
(www.FictionForesight.com)
Rod Englert promised to deliver some great information about blood spatter and the developing field that he is an expert in, but failed to deliver. I had to bounce between 3 and 4 stars since the book itself was enjoyable, but just not what I was looking for based on the description.
I was disappointed to find that the information pertaining to blood spatter analysis is pretty basic. There were some details that could be learned in any introductory forensics class, with even less information than what I was taught in high school, peppered throughout a book of memoirs. Maybe I should have been prepared since the title says “chronicles” of the crime scene reconstructionist, but I had hoped for more information from someone touting so much expertise. That’s not to say the memoirs weren’t interesting, but frankly I didn’t pick this book up to learn that he fed tortillas to his cows at one point. I came here for blood spatter and I only got a drop.
When he talks about his work, there are some interesting cases that obviously related to blood spatter in some way. He starts out with background autobiography about how he began going into the police force and started his interest in blood spatter evidence, then begins fragmented descriptions of cases that I wish had been more fleshed out in detail. This is most evident when he reviews his efforts in the O.J. Simpson case, and pieces together references to it throughout the book instead of compiling it neatly in a singular location. His opinions on some elements of impartiality and remaining ambivalent to the outcome also seem to fade the longer he talks about the O.J. Simpson case. This was obviously a tough case for him, and his descriptions especially left me doubting his credibility on the topic
I had some issues with his closing opinions. Mainly, it was that an expert had pointed out that a toothbrush covered in blood could mimic the blood spatter pattern, but he felt it was an asinine argument. I think it’s actually a fair one, considering that there is a case for staged crime scenes, and that you cannot always rule out the zebra in a herd of horses.
Finally, he seems to feel that one cannot just enter the crime scene reconstruction field without immense experience as a police officer or other related jobs. Yet he cites countless times where students in High School or those not involved in those fields helped solve a case that he could not. It just seems a little egotistical to heft around his experience but then still admit to relying on the viewpoint of outsiders to solve the case because he could not see something in a way they could. A lot of blood spatter analysis is being able to look at the spatter and say “hey, this is x velocity and goes in y direction” and anything can be recreated in a lab setting, as he admits. I think it’s great that he values the opinions of others in work and it’s good that he’s humble enough to do that, but I feel that it disproves his idea of needing the years and years of experience when a High School student finds the solution to a case with no previous forensic training.
If you’re looking for interesting cases, and want a little information about blood spatter, then this is the book for you. It was enjoyable to read, plain and simple. Towards the end he does seem to ramble, but I wonder if he had a page goal to meet, because he goes onto a tangent about experiences in Russia and Bogata that don’t really deal with cases at all. I think it’s a good choice for the amateur sleuth or anyone looking to freak out their coworkers at lunch.
(www.FictionForesight.com)
December 12, 2014
Rod Englert promised to deliver some great information about bloodspatter and the developing field that he is an expert in, but failed to deliver. I had to bounce between 3 and 4 stars since the book itself was enjoyable, but just not what I was looking for based on the description.
If you haven't read this yet and are looking for more information beyond the basics of bloodspatter analysis, then look elsewhere. There were some basic details that could be learned in any introductory forensics class, with even less information than what I was taught in high school, peppered throughout a book of memoirs. Maybe I should have been prepared when the title says "chronicles" of the crime scene reconstructionist, but I had hoped for more information from someone touting so much expertise. You get maybe 20 pages of descriptions of the basic blood patterns and that's it.
The book itself had interesting cases that obviously related to bloodspatter in some way. He starts out with background autobiography about how he began going into the police force and started his interest in bloodspatter evidene, then begins fragmented descriptions of cases with hypocritical opinions about impartiality and remaining aloof, yet seeing no issues with writing a book about his involvement with the cases. This is most evident when he reviews his efforts in the O.J. Simpson case, and pieces together references throughout the book instead of making it neat in a singular location. I just feel like he threw impartiality out the window on that one.
He mentions a lot of things towards the end that I disagree with, mainly calling it a stupid argument when an expert mentions that a toothbrush could recreate high velocity spatter when used in the correct way. While I agree with him that this admission is more theoretical than practical, it is still true. You cannot ignore the possibility of random acts just because it doesn't fit into the picture neatly.
Finally, he seems to feel that one cannot just enter the crime scene reconstruction field without immense experience as a police officer or other related jobs. Yet he cites countless times where students in High School or those not involved in those fields helped solve a case that he could not. It just seems a little egotistical to heft around his experience but then still admit to relying on the viewpoint of outsiders to solve the case because he could not see something in a way they could. You can't claim to be great like that and then turn around and admit that dumb luck is a huge part of it. A lot of bloodspatter analysis is being able to look at the spatter and say "hey, this is x velocity and goes in y direction" and anything can be recreated in a lab setting, as he admits. I think it's great that he values the opinions of others in work and it's good that he's humble enough to do that, but I feel that it disproves his idea of needing the years and years of experience when a High School student finds the solution to a case with no previous forensic training.
If you're looking to read this book for interesting cases and want a little information about bloodspatter, then this is the book for you. It was enjoyable to read with good highlights of cases. Towards the end he does seem to ramble but I wonder if he had a page goal to meet, because he goes into some experiences in Russia and Bogota that don't really deal with cases at all.
If you haven't read this yet and are looking for more information beyond the basics of bloodspatter analysis, then look elsewhere. There were some basic details that could be learned in any introductory forensics class, with even less information than what I was taught in high school, peppered throughout a book of memoirs. Maybe I should have been prepared when the title says "chronicles" of the crime scene reconstructionist, but I had hoped for more information from someone touting so much expertise. You get maybe 20 pages of descriptions of the basic blood patterns and that's it.
The book itself had interesting cases that obviously related to bloodspatter in some way. He starts out with background autobiography about how he began going into the police force and started his interest in bloodspatter evidene, then begins fragmented descriptions of cases with hypocritical opinions about impartiality and remaining aloof, yet seeing no issues with writing a book about his involvement with the cases. This is most evident when he reviews his efforts in the O.J. Simpson case, and pieces together references throughout the book instead of making it neat in a singular location. I just feel like he threw impartiality out the window on that one.
He mentions a lot of things towards the end that I disagree with, mainly calling it a stupid argument when an expert mentions that a toothbrush could recreate high velocity spatter when used in the correct way. While I agree with him that this admission is more theoretical than practical, it is still true. You cannot ignore the possibility of random acts just because it doesn't fit into the picture neatly.
Finally, he seems to feel that one cannot just enter the crime scene reconstruction field without immense experience as a police officer or other related jobs. Yet he cites countless times where students in High School or those not involved in those fields helped solve a case that he could not. It just seems a little egotistical to heft around his experience but then still admit to relying on the viewpoint of outsiders to solve the case because he could not see something in a way they could. You can't claim to be great like that and then turn around and admit that dumb luck is a huge part of it. A lot of bloodspatter analysis is being able to look at the spatter and say "hey, this is x velocity and goes in y direction" and anything can be recreated in a lab setting, as he admits. I think it's great that he values the opinions of others in work and it's good that he's humble enough to do that, but I feel that it disproves his idea of needing the years and years of experience when a High School student finds the solution to a case with no previous forensic training.
If you're looking to read this book for interesting cases and want a little information about bloodspatter, then this is the book for you. It was enjoyable to read with good highlights of cases. Towards the end he does seem to ramble but I wonder if he had a page goal to meet, because he goes into some experiences in Russia and Bogota that don't really deal with cases at all.
March 2, 2015
This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.
This novel attempts to explain some background for blood splatter interpretations and the majority of the text is made up by anecdotes. There is also some very interesting background information about the author's youth, and his career progression.
This book is not in my usual genre, my partner recieved it as a Christmas gift at a family Boxing Day party, and I snaffled it ot read so I wouldn't have to do any awkward conversation. I was pleasantly surprised and found myself not wanting to put it down - I finished it in a day.
For me, each of the human interest stories which were logically set out were great. It's like crime short stories for me - yay, no waiting to find out who did it! I'm not patient enough to read a real 'crime' novel.
I didn't really appreciate the images of blood splatter that my partner will probably find the most interesting pages out of the whole book. The case studies were way more interesting - I guess it just reflects that I'm more of a fiction reader than a non-fiction one.
I did have one squeamish moment, but funnily enough it wasn't about the blood, it was a mention of someone's toenails being ripped off. Ouch! I feel kinda squeamish right now just thinking about it.
The author of this memoir is passionate about his topic and it shows throughout the text. His cowriter/editor combination pulls things into fascinating detail, and makes the whole lot work. I only wish that I can find something that I am so passionate about when it's time for me to enter the workforce proper.
I'm totally going to give this book 4 stars. I probably won't reread it, but I did find myself enjoying a genre that I don't usually read, and that makes a huge difference. Maybe there is hope for crime after all!
This novel attempts to explain some background for blood splatter interpretations and the majority of the text is made up by anecdotes. There is also some very interesting background information about the author's youth, and his career progression.
This book is not in my usual genre, my partner recieved it as a Christmas gift at a family Boxing Day party, and I snaffled it ot read so I wouldn't have to do any awkward conversation. I was pleasantly surprised and found myself not wanting to put it down - I finished it in a day.
For me, each of the human interest stories which were logically set out were great. It's like crime short stories for me - yay, no waiting to find out who did it! I'm not patient enough to read a real 'crime' novel.
I didn't really appreciate the images of blood splatter that my partner will probably find the most interesting pages out of the whole book. The case studies were way more interesting - I guess it just reflects that I'm more of a fiction reader than a non-fiction one.
I did have one squeamish moment, but funnily enough it wasn't about the blood, it was a mention of someone's toenails being ripped off. Ouch! I feel kinda squeamish right now just thinking about it.
The author of this memoir is passionate about his topic and it shows throughout the text. His cowriter/editor combination pulls things into fascinating detail, and makes the whole lot work. I only wish that I can find something that I am so passionate about when it's time for me to enter the workforce proper.
I'm totally going to give this book 4 stars. I probably won't reread it, but I did find myself enjoying a genre that I don't usually read, and that makes a huge difference. Maybe there is hope for crime after all!
February 2, 2015
This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.
This novel attempts to explain some background for blood splatter interpretations and the majority of the text is made up by anecdotes. There is also some very interesting background information about the author's youth, and his career progression.
This book is not in my usual genre, my partner recieved it as a Christmas gift at a family Boxing Day party, and I snaffled it ot read so I wouldn't have to do any awkward conversation. I was pleasantly surprised and found myself not wanting to put it down - I finished it in a day.
For me, each of the human interest stories which were logically set out were great. It's like crime short stories for me - yay, no waiting to find out who did it! I'm not patient enough to read a real 'crime' novel.
I didn't really appreciate the images of blood splatter that my partner will probably find the most interesting pages out of the whole book. The case studies were way more interesting - I guess it just reflects that I'm more of a fiction reader than a non-fiction one.
I did have one squeamish moment, but funnily enough it wasn't about the blood, it was a mention of someone's toenails being ripped off. Ouch! I feel kinda squeamish right now just thinking about it.
The author of this memoir is passionate about his topic and it shows throughout the text. His cowriter/editor combination pulls things into fascinating detail, and makes the whole lot work. I only wish that I can find something that I am so passionate about when it's time for me to enter the workforce proper.
I'm totally going to give this book 4 stars. I probably won't reread it, but I did find myself enjoying a genre that I don't usually read, and that makes a huge difference. Maybe there is hope for crime after all!
This novel attempts to explain some background for blood splatter interpretations and the majority of the text is made up by anecdotes. There is also some very interesting background information about the author's youth, and his career progression.
This book is not in my usual genre, my partner recieved it as a Christmas gift at a family Boxing Day party, and I snaffled it ot read so I wouldn't have to do any awkward conversation. I was pleasantly surprised and found myself not wanting to put it down - I finished it in a day.
For me, each of the human interest stories which were logically set out were great. It's like crime short stories for me - yay, no waiting to find out who did it! I'm not patient enough to read a real 'crime' novel.
I didn't really appreciate the images of blood splatter that my partner will probably find the most interesting pages out of the whole book. The case studies were way more interesting - I guess it just reflects that I'm more of a fiction reader than a non-fiction one.
I did have one squeamish moment, but funnily enough it wasn't about the blood, it was a mention of someone's toenails being ripped off. Ouch! I feel kinda squeamish right now just thinking about it.
The author of this memoir is passionate about his topic and it shows throughout the text. His cowriter/editor combination pulls things into fascinating detail, and makes the whole lot work. I only wish that I can find something that I am so passionate about when it's time for me to enter the workforce proper.
I'm totally going to give this book 4 stars. I probably won't reread it, but I did find myself enjoying a genre that I don't usually read, and that makes a huge difference. Maybe there is hope for crime after all!
July 10, 2010
This book had some interesting information on blood spatter patterns. It discussed some celebrity cases as well as ordinary folks, and did not get overly scientific. No graphic pictures.
Product Description
Blood Secrets reveals how forensic experts read the story of a murder told in the traces of blood left behind, providing crucial evidence that has helped convict criminals who might have otherwise walked free.
When Rod Englert began his career in law enforcement, virtually no police force in the world knew how to correctly examine blood spatter. He spent years studying and testing how blood behaves, pioneering a vital new tool that is now a part of any criminal investigation. In Blood Secrets he demonstrates how detectives and forensic experts use blood-spatter analysis to solve real cases.
How can the police tell what type of murder weapon was used when the body is missing and all that's left is a trace of gore? How can they tell if a victim was moved, or which person in a room fired the fatal shot? Englert lays out what he's learned on a variety of intriguing cases, from puzzling murders in tiny, remote towns to the highest-profile celebrity trials--including O. J. Simpson, Robert Blake, and many others.
Filled with fascinating details of forensic science and real-life CSI stories, Blood Secrets shows the techniques and tools used to decipher blood spatter's code.
Product Description
Blood Secrets reveals how forensic experts read the story of a murder told in the traces of blood left behind, providing crucial evidence that has helped convict criminals who might have otherwise walked free.
When Rod Englert began his career in law enforcement, virtually no police force in the world knew how to correctly examine blood spatter. He spent years studying and testing how blood behaves, pioneering a vital new tool that is now a part of any criminal investigation. In Blood Secrets he demonstrates how detectives and forensic experts use blood-spatter analysis to solve real cases.
How can the police tell what type of murder weapon was used when the body is missing and all that's left is a trace of gore? How can they tell if a victim was moved, or which person in a room fired the fatal shot? Englert lays out what he's learned on a variety of intriguing cases, from puzzling murders in tiny, remote towns to the highest-profile celebrity trials--including O. J. Simpson, Robert Blake, and many others.
Filled with fascinating details of forensic science and real-life CSI stories, Blood Secrets shows the techniques and tools used to decipher blood spatter's code.
March 3, 2018
I had this out from the library, and my mother asked to read it after me. I advised that she not read it while eating, because some of the material is rather…grisly. Thus, a day or two later…
My mother: ‘Well, I’m eighty pages in, and so far there’s been nothing that would put me off my breakfast. Maybe I just have a stronger stomach than you do.’
(This is true. Indisputable, in fact.)
On the other hand, she described the Harlequin that she read around the same time as ‘grim’ and ‘never again’.
But I’m a little off topic. I love me a good nonfiction blood-and-body-parts book, and this is no exception. Englert was at the forefront of bloodspatter analysis: as a rookie cop, he came across a death scene that could really only be described as violently bloody, something he was sure was the site of an axe murder…so when it turned out that the real culprit was ulcers (and violent coughing/vomiting up blood), he vowed to learn more and do better the next time. That sent him off on a quest to learn as much as he could about what information crime-scene blood could offer. Some of the information in the book gets a little dry (I didn’t care about angles when I took a forensics class as a teenager, and I don’t care about them now), but overall the stories manage to be both entertaining and informative. I’m not sorry not to be in the field of forensics, but I’ll very cheerfully keep reading this sort of thing. Bring on the blood!
My mother: ‘Well, I’m eighty pages in, and so far there’s been nothing that would put me off my breakfast. Maybe I just have a stronger stomach than you do.’
(This is true. Indisputable, in fact.)
On the other hand, she described the Harlequin that she read around the same time as ‘grim’ and ‘never again’.
But I’m a little off topic. I love me a good nonfiction blood-and-body-parts book, and this is no exception. Englert was at the forefront of bloodspatter analysis: as a rookie cop, he came across a death scene that could really only be described as violently bloody, something he was sure was the site of an axe murder…so when it turned out that the real culprit was ulcers (and violent coughing/vomiting up blood), he vowed to learn more and do better the next time. That sent him off on a quest to learn as much as he could about what information crime-scene blood could offer. Some of the information in the book gets a little dry (I didn’t care about angles when I took a forensics class as a teenager, and I don’t care about them now), but overall the stories manage to be both entertaining and informative. I’m not sorry not to be in the field of forensics, but I’ll very cheerfully keep reading this sort of thing. Bring on the blood!
July 15, 2011
This book was suprisingly fascinating and packed with information. I never knew blood evidence could tell so much about a crime. Once I read this book it really lets you see crime scenes in a different light and helps shed explanations to what really happened. I think that Mr. Englert is one of the leaders of this vital tool in solving crimes and finding who really deserves to be in jail. Not to mention the findings of the evidence of the infamous O.J. Simpson Trial puts to rest any doubts that O.J. was innocent. The truth really is in the evidence. I highly recommend this book. It can be somewhat morbid dut to the crime scenes and how certain people are murdered. But you have to know the nature of what happened for anything to make sense. You have to have blood. haha. Anyways. read it.
August 15, 2011
Those hoping to discover case studies of America’s most heinous and brutal murders in grisly detail will be disappointed with Rod Englert’s Blood Secrets. But not because the book isn’t interesting and informative, but because the stories reflect genuine breakthroughs in blood spatter analysis as opposed to murder porn. In fact, Englert is disarmingly modest about his achievements throughout the book’s many fascinating stories and analysis, despite being one of America’s leading instructors in blood spatter examination and analysis. The author takes us through his first murder scene as a rookie all the way through to some of Hollywood’s most famous blood evidence crimes (including OJ Simpson, Bob Crane and Robert Blake).
February 11, 2012
The latest installment in my forensic reading. I'm sure the popularity of the TV show Dexter (which I love!) spurred the publication of this bloodspatter analysis book, but fiction aside, I found it interesting to get a bit of an introduction to the topic. The author includes general information about the topic, plus some case studies showing how blood pattern analysis can either incriminate or clear a suspected killer. One surprising thing I learned - if the prosecution or the defense hires a consultant (crime scene analyzer, lab rat, etc.), and that person finds definitive evidence which does NOT support the plea of the hiring party, they have no obligation to admit that evidence. That seems wrong.
February 17, 2016
A fairly good chronicle of what it takes to become an crime scene reconstruction "expert." The book covers his early days, the many things he learned from, and how the crime scene reconstruction science requires a constant update and challenge of what is "known." The author himself seems a bit disturbed (the way he describes how fascinated he is with blood, *not* creepy at all right?) but he does a very good job of presenting the information and cases in a detached, impartial manner, focusing on the facts and how conclusions were arrived at. It was interesting to see how often he stressed the importance of collaboration and working with others.
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