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Hidden Evidence: Forty true crimes and how forensic science helped to solve them
Hidden Evidence takes you to the scenes of 40 infamous crimes and into the heart of the forensic investigations. These are the true crime shockers that have grabbed headlines and aroused public passions. David Owen explains the scientific procedures that helped crack every one of these cases -- from the gathering of elusive physical clues to the examination of weapons and bodies, to the use of sophisticated scientific analysis. Threaded throughout the book is the history of forensic science and the technologies that support it,
fingerprinting, autopsies, handwriting analysis, ballistics, hair sampling, blood typing, DNA testing, dental records, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, compound and electron microscopes, and toxicology. The high-profile cases David Owen used to illustrate forensic developments are from as early as 1775, when Paul Revere used dentures to identify a slain soldier, to the latest developments in the Oklahoma bombing. Most will be familiar to readers, such The Lindbergh Kidnapping, Pan Am Flight 103, The Kennedy Investigation, The Hitler Diaries, Wayne Williams, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey MacDonald, Dr. Josef Mengele, Robert Maxwell's suicide, Tsar Nicholas II, and The World Trade Center bombing. David Owen presents the facts, steering clear of speculation. Comprehensive in scope, thoroughly researched and expertly compiled, Hidden Evidence is, in the words of former Los Angeles County Coroner Thomas T. Noguchi, "a fascinating book ... [and] an excellent mini-encyclopedia of widely discussed, high-profile cases."
fingerprinting, autopsies, handwriting analysis, ballistics, hair sampling, blood typing, DNA testing, dental records, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, compound and electron microscopes, and toxicology. The high-profile cases David Owen used to illustrate forensic developments are from as early as 1775, when Paul Revere used dentures to identify a slain soldier, to the latest developments in the Oklahoma bombing. Most will be familiar to readers, such The Lindbergh Kidnapping, Pan Am Flight 103, The Kennedy Investigation, The Hitler Diaries, Wayne Williams, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey MacDonald, Dr. Josef Mengele, Robert Maxwell's suicide, Tsar Nicholas II, and The World Trade Center bombing. David Owen presents the facts, steering clear of speculation. Comprehensive in scope, thoroughly researched and expertly compiled, Hidden Evidence is, in the words of former Los Angeles County Coroner Thomas T. Noguchi, "a fascinating book ... [and] an excellent mini-encyclopedia of widely discussed, high-profile cases."
240 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1999
20 people are currently reading
1311 people want to read
About the author
David L. Owen
32 books7 followersDavid Owen is the author of Hidden Evidence and Hidden Secrets. He has written extensively on military deception, espionage, and written and produced television documentaries on computer crime and electronic intelligence.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 2, 2014
This was a really interesting book and the example true crimes were fascinating. The book consists of chapters about different steps to and types of forensic evidence from fingerprints to DNA to cranial shape to body size (no longer used). A lot of history of each method is included in addition to how it is used today. Each section is chock full of illustrations, although many of scientists working are clearly posed. In addition, true-crimes in which that type of forensic evidence was used at trial are described generally in one or two pages with illutrations.
The trials are mostly solved cases but there are a couple that are unsolved or in dispute (for example the O.J. Simpson case where he was acquitted at the criminal trial but convicted at the civil trial). For the most part, there is enough information about each case to satisfy, but occasionally there isn't nearly enough to explain it and once there was way too much (one of the few with three pages).
Warning, though, this book is not for the faint at heart. The illustrations include actual crime scene photos at time, including smears and pools of blood. There are also multiple pictures of dead bodies. Although almost all are in the background or zoomed out enough to lack in too much detail, it was quite a shock to me when I saw the first one.
But this was the most helpful book on crime-solving I've read and I do recommend it.
The trials are mostly solved cases but there are a couple that are unsolved or in dispute (for example the O.J. Simpson case where he was acquitted at the criminal trial but convicted at the civil trial). For the most part, there is enough information about each case to satisfy, but occasionally there isn't nearly enough to explain it and once there was way too much (one of the few with three pages).
Warning, though, this book is not for the faint at heart. The illustrations include actual crime scene photos at time, including smears and pools of blood. There are also multiple pictures of dead bodies. Although almost all are in the background or zoomed out enough to lack in too much detail, it was quite a shock to me when I saw the first one.
But this was the most helpful book on crime-solving I've read and I do recommend it.
July 27, 2022
Erg fijn dat het overzichtelijk aangepakt is, aangezien het complexe onderwerp.
Ik was even bang dat het boek compleet uit elkaar zou gaan lopen. Dit is gelukkig niet zo doordat je eerst een stuk informatie leest en dan real life misdaden als voorbeeld van de informatie leest.
Ik wist al van veel verschillende zaken hierin, maar had van sommige mensen toch echt nog nooit gehoord. Ik vond vooral de misdaad van John George Haigh, Michel Eyraud en het stuk van een moordenaar in 1925 in Zuid-Engeland echt verbazingwekkend. Het feit dat de hoogmoed daadwerkelijk voor de val komt (letterlijk en figuurlijk ;) ) en dat 'zelfs' -of moet ik zeggen, juist- moordenaars door een minuscuul over het hoofd geziene fout te neer gaan. Ik zat vooral bij Haigh echt even met mijn mond open, want hoe kan je zo dom zijn, lol. (wat daar gebeurde moet je zelf maar lezen)
Interessant, een beetje te globaal naar mijn mening. Ik vond het jammer dat er op bepaalde dingen niet dieper ingegaan werd, maar het geeft een goede basis. Dus ook een goede aanrader als je wel wat van criminologie, forensisch onderzoek & misdaad wil weten maar dat toch liever oppervlakkig (lees: minder heftig) ziet. Had van mij nog wel in meer details gemogen.
Al met al 4/5 sterren omdat ik toch wel (hoe erg het ook is) heb genoten van het lezen van dit boek.
Ik was even bang dat het boek compleet uit elkaar zou gaan lopen. Dit is gelukkig niet zo doordat je eerst een stuk informatie leest en dan real life misdaden als voorbeeld van de informatie leest.
Ik wist al van veel verschillende zaken hierin, maar had van sommige mensen toch echt nog nooit gehoord. Ik vond vooral de misdaad van John George Haigh, Michel Eyraud en het stuk van een moordenaar in 1925 in Zuid-Engeland echt verbazingwekkend. Het feit dat de hoogmoed daadwerkelijk voor de val komt (letterlijk en figuurlijk ;) ) en dat 'zelfs' -of moet ik zeggen, juist- moordenaars door een minuscuul over het hoofd geziene fout te neer gaan. Ik zat vooral bij Haigh echt even met mijn mond open, want hoe kan je zo dom zijn, lol. (wat daar gebeurde moet je zelf maar lezen)
Interessant, een beetje te globaal naar mijn mening. Ik vond het jammer dat er op bepaalde dingen niet dieper ingegaan werd, maar het geeft een goede basis. Dus ook een goede aanrader als je wel wat van criminologie, forensisch onderzoek & misdaad wil weten maar dat toch liever oppervlakkig (lees: minder heftig) ziet. Had van mij nog wel in meer details gemogen.
Al met al 4/5 sterren omdat ik toch wel (hoe erg het ook is) heb genoten van het lezen van dit boek.
November 11, 2019
The reason I chose this book is that it was one of the STEM books on my summer reading list that I didn't have a chance to read. Forensic science is very interesting to me and I have always wanted to learn more about. “Hidden Evidence” was the perfect book for me because it included in-depth descriptions of the technology used to solve crimes and the history of several significant investigations. The book taught me information that would not be taught in an average curriculum class or a fictional crime television show.
“Hidden Evidence” by David Owen included 40 true crimes and the important role of forensic science throughout history. In the first part of the book, Owen describes what to do at a crime scene and the early history of forensic medicine, science, and criminal investigation. Owen then goes on to the second section called the weapons of a criminal. This section describes the different ways a murderer preforms a homicide. Forensic scientists can dissect a crime scene and body to find clues related to the method and instrument. For example, a series of murders by Caroline Grills were solved due to heavy forensic analysis. Grill conducted several homicides that seemed to be normal deaths due to the systems and age of victims. After several tests, forensic scientist found thallium, a heavy metal, in all of the victim's tea. Grills was “aiding” all of the victims with tea during their deteriorated health. The third part of the book was more focused on finding the culprit through DNA, fingerprint, and other tests. One test that was very interesting was the examination of writing to prove forgery and fraud. The Hitler Diaries was a case that tried to proved the authenticity of handwriting but failed. Forensic specialists discovered the ink used in the diaries was created after Hitler's life.
I really enjoyed the structure of my book. At the beginning of each chapter, the author would explain a forensic science technique in great detail. My favorite technique to learn about was how they used dental records to identify bodies and to track perpetrators. The author would then summarize a real-life investigation that applies the techniques, for example, the dental records of Ted Bundy. I found it very interesting how the book explained that a little piece of evidence could lead to the solving of a murder/crime. The book also showed how forensic scientists could use advanced technology to solve crimes from decades ago like The Tsar Nicholas III story. The book clearly shows the problem solving and deconstructing necessary for investigation. A very depressing story that represents impressive investigating and deductive reasoning was The Lindbergh Kidnapping. I found the story very interesting and want to know more about it.
I would not recommend this book for high schoolers. The book was very similar to a textbook and it often got boring and tedious because of all the sophisticated information at once. I think the book was meant for a person studying forensic science. Even though it was a tough read for me, I thoroughly enjoyed how the book comingled several investigations stories in one place. I wished the book focussed on the stories more than the information. The descriptions of the true crimes were too brief and not satisfying. I would have preferred more specific details on how they figured out the crimes and how they tracked down the culprit.
“Hidden Evidence” by David Owen included 40 true crimes and the important role of forensic science throughout history. In the first part of the book, Owen describes what to do at a crime scene and the early history of forensic medicine, science, and criminal investigation. Owen then goes on to the second section called the weapons of a criminal. This section describes the different ways a murderer preforms a homicide. Forensic scientists can dissect a crime scene and body to find clues related to the method and instrument. For example, a series of murders by Caroline Grills were solved due to heavy forensic analysis. Grill conducted several homicides that seemed to be normal deaths due to the systems and age of victims. After several tests, forensic scientist found thallium, a heavy metal, in all of the victim's tea. Grills was “aiding” all of the victims with tea during their deteriorated health. The third part of the book was more focused on finding the culprit through DNA, fingerprint, and other tests. One test that was very interesting was the examination of writing to prove forgery and fraud. The Hitler Diaries was a case that tried to proved the authenticity of handwriting but failed. Forensic specialists discovered the ink used in the diaries was created after Hitler's life.
I really enjoyed the structure of my book. At the beginning of each chapter, the author would explain a forensic science technique in great detail. My favorite technique to learn about was how they used dental records to identify bodies and to track perpetrators. The author would then summarize a real-life investigation that applies the techniques, for example, the dental records of Ted Bundy. I found it very interesting how the book explained that a little piece of evidence could lead to the solving of a murder/crime. The book also showed how forensic scientists could use advanced technology to solve crimes from decades ago like The Tsar Nicholas III story. The book clearly shows the problem solving and deconstructing necessary for investigation. A very depressing story that represents impressive investigating and deductive reasoning was The Lindbergh Kidnapping. I found the story very interesting and want to know more about it.
I would not recommend this book for high schoolers. The book was very similar to a textbook and it often got boring and tedious because of all the sophisticated information at once. I think the book was meant for a person studying forensic science. Even though it was a tough read for me, I thoroughly enjoyed how the book comingled several investigations stories in one place. I wished the book focussed on the stories more than the information. The descriptions of the true crimes were too brief and not satisfying. I would have preferred more specific details on how they figured out the crimes and how they tracked down the culprit.
March 8, 2021
Υπέροχο βιβλίο με την κάθε περίπτωση που αναλύει να σε αφήνει με το στόμα ανοιχτό....
Επίσης περιγράφει συνοπτικά πως οι ερευνητές και οι επιστήμονες εκμεταλλεύονται τα όπλα που έχουν για την λύση υποθέσεων....
Επίσης περιγράφει συνοπτικά πως οι ερευνητές και οι επιστήμονες εκμεταλλεύονται τα όπλα που έχουν για την λύση υποθέσεων....
November 20, 2013
David Owens has written an intriguing nonfiction book of murder, and how Biology helps find the murderer. Hidden Evidence digs up forty infamous crimes and explains them on a science level. With the help of forensic science, crimes that captured newspaper headlines are understood.
Throughout the book, the history of forensic science is discussed in topics including: DNA, blood, poison, suffocation, drowning, trace elements, fingerprints, and forgeries. David Owens uses cases from 1775 with Paul Revere all the way to the trial of O.J. Simpson. Readers will most likely know the cases like: The Lindbergh Kidnapping, the Hitler Diaries, the Kennedy Investigation, and the World Trade Center Bombing. First, you find yourself at the crime scene trying to determine the cause of death and the identity of the victim. Next, you have to figure out which weapon the criminal used in the murder. Last, it's all about unmasking the criminal.
Have you ever spent half the day watching crime shows? Hidden Evidence is the real life version. Owens shows how the real mystery can be solved with science. The text is very informational, explains interesting things you may never had known, brings back cases that everyone kept up with, and isn't a hard read.
Throughout the book, the history of forensic science is discussed in topics including: DNA, blood, poison, suffocation, drowning, trace elements, fingerprints, and forgeries. David Owens uses cases from 1775 with Paul Revere all the way to the trial of O.J. Simpson. Readers will most likely know the cases like: The Lindbergh Kidnapping, the Hitler Diaries, the Kennedy Investigation, and the World Trade Center Bombing. First, you find yourself at the crime scene trying to determine the cause of death and the identity of the victim. Next, you have to figure out which weapon the criminal used in the murder. Last, it's all about unmasking the criminal.
Have you ever spent half the day watching crime shows? Hidden Evidence is the real life version. Owens shows how the real mystery can be solved with science. The text is very informational, explains interesting things you may never had known, brings back cases that everyone kept up with, and isn't a hard read.
June 16, 2015
Intriguing book on intriguing subject. Even though some of the investigative methods talked about in this book are outdated, well I still liked it a lot.
This was a top notch book on forensic science. This book contains history on how crimes are investigated then and now. Wish there would have been more information on the pictures provided. That is a big reason I purchased the book, was for the pictures.
September 18, 2023
Hidden Evidence is something of a history of forensic crime fighting. Beginning with the recognition in ancient China that fingerprints were unique to their owners and continuing through the modern use of DNA analysis and beyond, it chronicles the advances made in crime-solving techniques over the years. It also gives brief histories of several crimes and how the various forensic techniques were used to try to solve them. In many instances, forensics was useful in solving some most puzzling crimes, but the record wasn’t one hundred percent. In the case of some older crimes (notably Jack the Ripper, for example) the available forensic techniques were not yet advanced enough to find the killers at the time. In others, investigators were able to make a good guess at who the perpetrator was, but the individual(s) were never found.
People who like all the various CSI television shows should love this. But they might not find too much here that they don’t already know.
Although the book covers a long period, it is profusely illustrated, so there is not a vast amount of text to be read. For most people, and generally for me, this would be a good thing. Unfortunately, a few of the illustrations are pretty graphic, and since during the time I was trying to read the book I was also in the middle of an ongoing health crisis with a family member, that made it a little difficult to read much at a time.
People who like all the various CSI television shows should love this. But they might not find too much here that they don’t already know.
Although the book covers a long period, it is profusely illustrated, so there is not a vast amount of text to be read. For most people, and generally for me, this would be a good thing. Unfortunately, a few of the illustrations are pretty graphic, and since during the time I was trying to read the book I was also in the middle of an ongoing health crisis with a family member, that made it a little difficult to read much at a time.
June 1, 2018
The book was a fascinating depiction of forensic sciences. The book showed the relation between methods of the science and how cases related and were solved using the science. The book, overall, seemed really intriguing and thought-provoking. Some of the cases could be a bit morbid at times, but it was all for either setting the scene, or describing the tools/methods used. This book shows the history of forensic science.
I think that the book was interesting all around. The books description of the cases was very in depth and helped the reader understand the contexts a bit better. The book showed the cases after giving some background to the science, so that the reader could process what was happening. The books detail and precision mixed with it's strong wording was very educational, as the book was supposed to be. The book was amazing and I loved it.
I think that the book was interesting all around. The books description of the cases was very in depth and helped the reader understand the contexts a bit better. The book showed the cases after giving some background to the science, so that the reader could process what was happening. The books detail and precision mixed with it's strong wording was very educational, as the book was supposed to be. The book was amazing and I loved it.
September 30, 2018
The book goes over each type of evidence (EG- fingerprints to dna) a little history and how it is used today and how accurate it is. In each type it also gives specific cases that this evidence was used to prove or disprove a case.
Even though this edition was c. 2000 the book was pretty up-to date in general and some of the cases referred to are fairly well known.
A solid resource read for those wanting to know more about the nuts and bolts of forensic science.
The last chapter that talked about the future of forensics tried to talk of what could happen... what they missed is how much “verifying evidence” from the digital realm will need to be developed. Plus other methods to increase the pace of various older methods to give results.
Even though this edition was c. 2000 the book was pretty up-to date in general and some of the cases referred to are fairly well known.
A solid resource read for those wanting to know more about the nuts and bolts of forensic science.
The last chapter that talked about the future of forensics tried to talk of what could happen... what they missed is how much “verifying evidence” from the digital realm will need to be developed. Plus other methods to increase the pace of various older methods to give results.
June 21, 2018
Clear, competent writing with lots of picture and straight forward layout. Very textbook like. Vaguely disappointed since I was expecting the entire book to be narrated around cases, and not an (very thorough) overview of forensic science with cases as excerpts. The particular fixation on English and French cases & scientists were puzzling until I flipped to the cover and realized the book was Canadian, after which the summary of the battle of Agincourt was just funny. Slightly outdated now, more emphasis on breath than depth. Excellent intro to forensics book.
July 28, 2024
There were some pretty large date errors. It said the Sacco and Vanzetti case was 1991 (it was in the 20s), the OJ Simpson case was 1972 (it was 1994), and one of the photo captions for JFK’s assassination said it was on 11/11/63 instead of 11/22/63. Whenever there are discrepancies like these it makes me wonder what else isn’t correct and makes it hard to believe any of the listed facts.
February 8, 2018
Being as this book's copy write is 2000, What is most interesting is that it shows how much things have changed in just 17 years. What will Forensic science be like in another 20? I can't wait to see!
August 29, 2024
Tieši pirms jaunā mācību gada esmu tikusi galā ar ļoti ilgu 'reading slump'. 😀
Grāmatā ir novecojusi informācija un nav gluži 'true crime' gabals no A-Z, tomēr interesanti uzzināt, kā gadu gaitā attīstījusies kriminālistikas nozare.
Grāmatā ir novecojusi informācija un nav gluži 'true crime' gabals no A-Z, tomēr interesanti uzzināt, kā gadu gaitā attīstījusies kriminālistikas nozare.
September 21, 2025
I would give this book 4 stars normally, however, it is written before 2000 making a lot of the information old and not fully inclusive to modern knowledge.
Pre 9-11, BTK conviction, Green River Killer conviction, amongst others.
Pre 9-11, BTK conviction, Green River Killer conviction, amongst others.
December 23, 2023
I read another book about some of those cases and this one is just boring, maybe it's an issue with translation.
August 21, 2024
An interesting book with history of forensic science. Sadly women are usually the victims but Kathy Reichs acted as a consultant.
January 30, 2017
This book is fantastic. Very interesting and informative.
March 16, 2017
Das Buch war wirklich sehr interessant, es werden verschiedene Methoden der forensischen Wissenschaft vorgestellt und erklärt. Auch unterschiede der Todesarten ( und der unterschied der Anzeichen für Mord oder den Tod nach "normalen" Umständen werden aufgezeigt z.B beim Ertrinken).
Als konkretere Beispiele kommen ein paar Fälle, die mit der vorher genannten Methodik untersucht und gelöst wurden. Das alles wird schön kurz und knapp zusammengefasst (passt meist auf eine Seite) - wenn man mehr wissen möchte kann man ja Google benutzen . ;)
Ich persönlich kannte einige der Fälle, die meisten waren mir aber nicht bekannt.
Ich bin natürlich immer noch keine Expertin auf dem Gebiet aber mein wissen wurde definitiv erweitert !
Als konkretere Beispiele kommen ein paar Fälle, die mit der vorher genannten Methodik untersucht und gelöst wurden. Das alles wird schön kurz und knapp zusammengefasst (passt meist auf eine Seite) - wenn man mehr wissen möchte kann man ja Google benutzen . ;)
Ich persönlich kannte einige der Fälle, die meisten waren mir aber nicht bekannt.
Ich bin natürlich immer noch keine Expertin auf dem Gebiet aber mein wissen wurde definitiv erweitert !
July 26, 2019
I loved that the entire novel was really a letter, in a way. There’s a mystery at the center so I can’t say too much more. But this YA book was short and sweet. I really liked it.
March 12, 2017
There is a second edition (which is the one I read) but I can't find it on Goodreads. This book contains a wonderful overview of forensic techniques, and case studies that demonstrate their use. Chock full of colour photos and clear descriptions. I read it in one sitting, and I feel smart now!
November 30, 2016
In this non-fiction book, there was three sections. The first was the Introduction, which within itself had three chapters. The second section was Weapons of the Criminal, which had six chapters. Then the third and final section was Unmasking the Criminal, which also had six chapters. In the first section, the chapters were just some background, brief history, and general knowledge pertaining to forensic science. Then the six chapters under the second section were different weapons of a criminal, with a different general type with each chapter, ranging from poison to strangulation/suffocation to fires and explosives, as well as knives and blunt objects, drowning and burning, and guns. The third section was similar to the second in the sense that each chapter had it's own set of information. These were ways that detectives and forensic scientists could identify/find out who the culprit/criminal was. They included things such as frauds and forgeries, fingerprints and footprints, trace elements, blood, and DNA, as well as a section on the future of forensic science. At the end of each section, there were always 2-4 real life cases that were about what had just been talked about in the section. For example, after the chapter Pure Poison in chapter two, which talked about all kinds of poisons and drugs and their effect on the body. After this information was three real-life cases, one of which was about a man who killed his mother-in-law, and attempted to kill his father-in-law by putting viruses like influenza in their bodies and letting the virus do its work.
I think that this book is really useful and I really liked it. First off, I really liked how the book was non-fiction, which I don't read that often, and which I actually like if the material is interesting and relevant. I also really like how there were real-life cases at the end of each section, which helped me understand even better what had just been talked about. Another thing that I liked was the formatting; it was set up in a way that made sense and was easy to follow. On that note, I also liked how easy it was to read this book, because although the author used some advanced language and vocabulary, the content was very easy to understand, because it was presented without extra words and there were also pictures on every page. This helped me a lot, because even though I can visualize in my head pretty good, I'm a hands on visual learner, so the pictures definitely helped. I didn't really dislike anything about the book, except that some of the cases were kind of morbid and messed up, but I guess it shows me the real world, which is good for preparing me for college and life on my own. I also didn't like that for the real-life cases, it usually wasn't told why the criminal tried to kill their victim(s).
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in forensic science, along with anyone who is new to the area and looking to explore, because this book has a lot of the basics, as well as a little complex stuff. I would also recommend this book to middle or highschoolers who would find something like this interesting, because it is good/cool stuff to know, whether you are interested in forensic science or just find many things interesting and happened upon this book (like me). Overall, this book is very well layed out and I really liked it, and think that many other people would appreciate/like this book too if they read it.
I think that this book is really useful and I really liked it. First off, I really liked how the book was non-fiction, which I don't read that often, and which I actually like if the material is interesting and relevant. I also really like how there were real-life cases at the end of each section, which helped me understand even better what had just been talked about. Another thing that I liked was the formatting; it was set up in a way that made sense and was easy to follow. On that note, I also liked how easy it was to read this book, because although the author used some advanced language and vocabulary, the content was very easy to understand, because it was presented without extra words and there were also pictures on every page. This helped me a lot, because even though I can visualize in my head pretty good, I'm a hands on visual learner, so the pictures definitely helped. I didn't really dislike anything about the book, except that some of the cases were kind of morbid and messed up, but I guess it shows me the real world, which is good for preparing me for college and life on my own. I also didn't like that for the real-life cases, it usually wasn't told why the criminal tried to kill their victim(s).
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in forensic science, along with anyone who is new to the area and looking to explore, because this book has a lot of the basics, as well as a little complex stuff. I would also recommend this book to middle or highschoolers who would find something like this interesting, because it is good/cool stuff to know, whether you are interested in forensic science or just find many things interesting and happened upon this book (like me). Overall, this book is very well layed out and I really liked it, and think that many other people would appreciate/like this book too if they read it.
July 20, 2008
This work is the perfect nonfiction booktalking book--attractive layout, intriguing subject, and truly gruesome pictures. This book is not for the faint of heart, but most teens will be fascinated by its combination of scientific fact and voyeurism. Owen takes the reader through a brief history of forensic science and then goes through methods of determining a victim's identity, from physical evidence to fingerprints and DNA profiling. He discusses various criminal methods, from poison and knives to guns and explosions. He also discusses the uses of forensic science in uncovering less violent crimes, such as fraud and forgery. The individual sections are lavishly illustrated. Interspersed throughout the book are forty case studies, ranging from the story of how Paul Revere identified the body of a friend killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill from the dentures Revere had made for the friend, to the story of the DNA evidence at the O. J. Simpson murder trial. Many of the cases are British and thus probably less familiar to American readers, but they are all fascinating and show the uses and abuses of forensic science in the solving and prosecuting of crimes. Junior high students are sure to thumb through this book, poring over the illustrations. High school students interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement also will be intrigued, and the book can supplement chemistry, biology, or other projects addressing forensic medicine. This reviewer's only quibble is that names and places in the numerous captions are not included in the index. VOYA CODES: 3Q 4P J S (Readable without serious defects; Broad general YA appeal; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2000, Firefly Books, Glossary. Index. Illus. Photos. Biblio. Trade pb, $24.95. Ages 12 to 18. (Sarah Flowers, VOYA, February 2001 (Vol. 23, No. 6))[return][return]Won ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2002 and YALSA's Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults, 2007. Was nominated for the Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2003.
December 4, 2008
David Owen takes an in-depth look at how forensic science has evolved from methods of investigation used in ancient China to today’s high-tech techniques. Each chapter features several case studies and Owen uses these to illustrate the many improvements and discoveries in the field of forensics. Every page features drawings, diagrams, or photographs, some in color and some not for the squeamish.
Starting with the T’ang Dynasty in China, Owen tracks the science of discovery through the ages. Early photography, for example, made possible the development of the Bertillon system for identifying criminals. Bertillon theorized that the “vital measurements” of a person were unique and he recorded and catalogued more than 1,500 criminals’ measurements. This was the precursor to today’s IndentiKit and PhotoFit systems of identification.
Anyone interested in forensics should pick this book up. The reading is fascinating and easy to understand, and the cases include the well-known stories of the Lindbergh baby kidnapping, Pan Am Flight 103, the shooting of JFK, the Hitler diaries, the mystery of Tsar Nicholas II, and the World Trade Center bombing, as well as lesser-known cases like newspaper tycoon Robert Maxwell’s suicide and rapist Malcolm “The Fox” Farley.
Owen covers everything: fingerprints, handwriting analysis, ballistics, blood typing, DNA testing, dental records, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, compound and electron microscopes, fraud, forgery, explosives and fire, poisons, and determining time of death.
David Owen was an engineer in the aerospace industry before he moved into scientific writing and journalism. His works include publications on military deception and air accident investigations.
Look for the foreword, written by Thomas T. Noguchi, M.D., Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner for the County of Los Angeles, and the introduction by mystery writer Kathy Reichs.
Starting with the T’ang Dynasty in China, Owen tracks the science of discovery through the ages. Early photography, for example, made possible the development of the Bertillon system for identifying criminals. Bertillon theorized that the “vital measurements” of a person were unique and he recorded and catalogued more than 1,500 criminals’ measurements. This was the precursor to today’s IndentiKit and PhotoFit systems of identification.
Anyone interested in forensics should pick this book up. The reading is fascinating and easy to understand, and the cases include the well-known stories of the Lindbergh baby kidnapping, Pan Am Flight 103, the shooting of JFK, the Hitler diaries, the mystery of Tsar Nicholas II, and the World Trade Center bombing, as well as lesser-known cases like newspaper tycoon Robert Maxwell’s suicide and rapist Malcolm “The Fox” Farley.
Owen covers everything: fingerprints, handwriting analysis, ballistics, blood typing, DNA testing, dental records, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, compound and electron microscopes, fraud, forgery, explosives and fire, poisons, and determining time of death.
David Owen was an engineer in the aerospace industry before he moved into scientific writing and journalism. His works include publications on military deception and air accident investigations.
Look for the foreword, written by Thomas T. Noguchi, M.D., Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner for the County of Los Angeles, and the introduction by mystery writer Kathy Reichs.
January 1, 2012
This book is about the science of forensics. It discusses things like how bullets are identified, what happens to a body when it floats in water for several days, how bloodstains can be detected and other topics from crime detection. It is filled with colorful pictures. It talks about some specific crimes, the Lockerbie bombing, the World Trade Center, OJ Simpson, Sacco and Vanzetti, etc. The case studies were fascinating, but not detailed enough. The discussion of the the science was less interesting.
February 27, 2013
I'm guessing this is sort of a textbook? I had a lot of trouble sticking with it, maybe because I tried reading it while my kids napped. Great into to forensics and some behind the scenes stuff of even some more recent oddball cases that were solved, or remain unsolved due to the science of forensics!
June 14, 2013
Well, it did have a lot of interesting information to share, tho a bit of it was contradictory. Also, there were a large number of interesting pictures that there wasn't any further information on. Sometimes not even the names of the people in the picture. It would really have made a difference if they'd had that.
July 28, 2014
Some interesting crime stories in the book but the problem with a book of this nature is it becomes outdated fairly quickly. Advances in Forensics and computer power make for rapid changes in procedures and technology that's applied. Still, the books contains a lot of history on how Forensic Science got to where it is today, (or at least where it was by 2000 when this book was published.)
October 19, 2020
this book is of course for people who enjoy the mystery and the works of science solving murders and other types of crimes. the science part can extend from finding fingerprints to wondering how this person actually died when their spouse labeled it as 'natural causes'. it brings the what really happened
August 28, 2007
buku ini baguuuus bgt.
tentang kriminologi forensik.
mencari bukti2 kejahatan lwt laboratorium.
membuktikan kalau sepandai-pandai penjahat melompat akhirnya digagalkan oleh teknologi juga.
I love this book sooo much, highly recomended terutama buat yg suka cerita2 kriminal ^-^
tentang kriminologi forensik.
mencari bukti2 kejahatan lwt laboratorium.
membuktikan kalau sepandai-pandai penjahat melompat akhirnya digagalkan oleh teknologi juga.
I love this book sooo much, highly recomended terutama buat yg suka cerita2 kriminal ^-^
July 20, 2012
This is sort of a "Forensic Science 101" textbook: lots of detail, several actual case studies, and lots of fairly graphic pictures of dead bodies. I actually skipped quite a lot of the technical stuff at the end about DNA & fingerprinting, and just read the cases & the photo captions.
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