Crime and Clues

Book Reviews

Fundamentals of Forensic Science

Contents: 1- Introduction, 2- Crime Scene Investigation, 3- The Nature of Evidence, 4- Microscopy, 5- Spectroscopic Techniques, 6- Separation Methods in Forensic Science, 7- Pathology, 8- Anthropology and Odontology, 9- Entomology, 10- Serology and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, 10- DNA Analysis, 12- Forensic Hair Examinations, 13- Illicit Drugs, 14- Forensic Toxicology, 15- Textile Fibers, 16- Paint Analysis, 17- Soil and Glass, 18- Fires and Explosions, 19- Friction Ridge Examination, 20- Questioned Documents, 21- Firearms and Tool Marks, 22- Impression Evidence, 23- Legal Aspects of Forensic Science, Index.

From the back cover: "Unlike other introductory textbooks on the topic, Fundamentals of Forensic Science presents a complete look at the forensic sciences, emphasizing the biology, chemistry, and physical sciences that underpin forensic science. By covering the principles that are central to forensic science, and by discussing topics that are typically excluded from generalized discussions of 'criminalistics,' this book provides a depth and breadth of information that no other textbook contains." That's a good description and although I would say that some other books cover specific topics more deeply, none match this book for scope. This is one huge book.

Full color photographs and excellent illustrations are included throughout.

Each chapter begins with a list of key terms, and ends with a series of questions and a bibliography. Many chapters also include an "On the Web" section with a list of relevant internet sites (although Crime and Clues is notably absent). The chapters are well organized, with intelligent headings and arranged so that the breakout boxes and illustrations don't interrupt the flow of the text.

Of particular note is Chapter 3: The Nature of Evidence. This chapter introduces the underlying principles of the scientific method and forensic science. It covers Locard's Exchange Principle, identity, class and individualization, as well as relationships and context. Much of the material is adapted from an excellent article by Mr. Houck from the Oct. 2004 issue of Law Enforcement Technology magazine. The article and the treatment in this chapter remain among the best descriptions of the nature and use of physical evidence in print today.

No other text of this sort covers the variety of topics that this one does. The inclusion of chapters on Pathology, Anthropology and Entomology truly set this book apart from similar textbooks. If you are looking for a textbook for an entry level Forensic Science course at the college or high school level, then this book should be at the top of your list. The breadth of material and the user friendly format make this an ideal teaching text.

Serial Crime: Theoretical and Practical Issues in Behavioral Profiling

As I have said before I use an internal rating system for the books I read and review. This one rated at the bottom of my list even though I enjoy Brent Turvey's honest and straight up style and he contributed to this book.

I become extremely irritated when reading a book which says something like "The obese domestic feline rested it's posterior on a woven textile intended for shoes and entrance ways". Why not just say "The fat cat sat on the mat". This book has large sections which try to confuse the reader with this type of academic bamboozlement (I am sure this is not a real word). I just want the facts. I do not want to go around in "academic speak" circles. I felt this author was speaking down to me a lot of the time and I actually gave up trying to read it several times.

On my third stab at reading this book I did find some sections that where interesting. Overall this book is hard to read and confusing in it's logic and layout. Personally I think most good cops and psychologists as well as other law enforcement officials do most of the "logic" by instinct rather than by reading it in a book.

Unless you are really interested in "round about theories" and lectures in "logic" I would not attempt this book.

There are no illustrations in this book. Some of the chapters in the last half of the book are written by other authors and are readable. However, I have read many books on this subject and most are more interesting and reader friendly.

Tales From The Morgue

The sub-title to this book is "Forensic Answers To Nine Famous Cases", those cases being: Scott Peterson, Jayson Williams, Chandra Levy, Jonny Gammage, Jeffrey Digman, The Gander Air Crash, Jane Bolding, The JFK Assassination and Marilyn Monroe. Unfortunately answers seem to be few and far between, and many of the cases are still in question- at least one is, in fact, up for a new trial.

The author is aware of the seeming lack of answers and towards the end of the book Dr. Wecht offers up what may be one of the best quotes regarding the availability of evidence: "Contrary to what is glamorously and fascinatingly depicted in popular television shows and best-seller novels, unequivocal and definitive biological, physical, or forensic evidence is not always to be found, despite the most scrupulous search".

The book follows the now familiar formula of a series of case presentations outlining the crimes, the authors involvement, and his opinions about them. The cases chosen are among the most famous in recent history, and certainly make for interesting reading.

True crime fans will certainly find something of interest in this volume. Those seeking serious study may find themselves looking for more in depth presentations on the various cases. The JFK assassination in particular is interesting, in that Dr. Wecht is among the very few who have had access to the evidence in the case. However, there is so much information involved that it's hard to come to any conclusion based solely on what is presented in the chapter dedicated to the case. (Although Dr. Wecht's conclusions about the case are clear).

Famous cases, well presented by an expert forensic pathologist. While we might wish for a more thorough examination of each case, that doesn't prevent us from recommending it.

Carved in Bone

While we don't normally review works of fiction, Carved in Bone bears mention simply due to it's authors. Dr. Bill Bass is a well known forensic anthropologist, and founder of the "Body Farm". He and Mr. Jefferson previously collaborated on "Death's Acre", which is a biographical account of Dr. Bass and his "Anthropology Research Facility".

Carved in Bone is the first novel by the authors, and it is quite good. If you like the work of Patricia Cornwell then you will enjoy this as well. The novel tells the story of Dr. Bill Brockton, a character obviously based on Dr. Bass, and his investigation of a body found in a remote cave in Tennessee. There's lots of forensic details, including everything most people ever want to know about "Corpse Wax".

The characters and settings are believable, and interesting. From university students, to cops and good old boys in the mountains, it all rings true. The solution to the mystery is, perhaps, a bit obvious. But, it's not always about the answer as much as how you get there. And, getting there is presented with style.

I highly recommend this novel, and look forward to future stories in the series. And yes, it appears that the authors intend to continue the series in future novels.

Mute Witnesses: Trace Evidence Analysis

The publishers of this book were kind enough to send me a review copy. They probably gave up on me quite some time ago, I've just been too busy with other projects to write this review. Which is a shame. This is one of the best forensic science related books I've ever read. One might think that trace evidence is not the most exciting subject, but once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down.

The book is edited by Max Houck (formerly of the FBI lab), and the authors are all among the top names in the trace evidence field. The authors spend some time lamenting the lack of interest in trace evidence now that DNA evidence is on the scene, but they have a point. Some cases aren't going to be solved with DNA and if we don't continue to train people in trace analysis we are going to miss out.

Just reading the introduction to this book gives the reader a valuable lesson in the history of forensic science, the importance of trace evidence, it's recovery and evaluation. It's almost worth it's cover price for the introduction alone.

The book consists of the introduction, and nine chapters each detailing a case study involving trace analysis.

The chapters are very well written and each highlights a different topic related to trace evidence. The case studies are interesting, and show how valuable trace evidence can be in providing direction to an investigation and in answering questions other methods can't.

The book is well illustrated with color photographs and diagrams. Each chapter is also thoroughly referenced. If you don't find an answer to your question in the text, one of the references will probably have it.

When I'm teaching classes that deal with trace evidence, this is the book I grab as a reference. In fact, I had to box up most of my reference collection due to a lack of office space. This is one of the few titles I keep out on the shelf.

In conclusion if you are involved in, or interested in forensic science you should get a copy of this book.

The Profilers

The title of this book is somewhat deceiving. "Profilers: Leading Investigators Take You Inside the Criminal Mind" is what the cover reads. I expected a true life recounting of the fabulous adventures of the world's leading profilers. I guess I thought this might be an inside look at the true life stories of the people on which many movies and TV programs are based. I expected to read about the cases in which the profilers were involved and how they used their skills to develop profiles of unknown killers. The book is not in the least what I expected. This is not to say that I was disappointed with this book. I quite enjoyed some of the articles. I am, however, accustomed to reading and deciphering scientific and statistical jargon.

The Profilers is a compilation of 22 articles which range from some of the classic studies done in the early eighties to more modern research projects. The subject matter ranges widely from serial killers behavioral traits to geographical profiling. All of the research papers in this book were produced with some affiliation to the F.B.I.'s behavioral science unit.

Many of the articles are based on the same study done by the F.B.I. profilers in the early eighties. The various articles use data collected through a series of interview of 36 convicted killers. Each article approaches the data recovered from a different scientific standpoint. Each author uses the data retrieved from this project to create various models and statistical results.

Some articles deal with very specific behaviors such as sexual homicide, sexual homicide of elderly women and eye gouging as a behavior associated with violent attacks.

One article reviews methods and statistics which can be used to develop profiles in the case of an arson or bombing.

This book is a valuable tool for anyone who has already studied many of the classic cases which are being evaluated in these articles. This however is not a book which the average person would pick up for a light read. The articles are written in scientific jargon and style meant originally for publication in scientific journals. Although interesting, the content and conclusions require some previous knowledge of statistical and scientific methodology. Some articles are easier to read than others due to individual style of the authors.

If mental acrobatics are not your idea of time well spent then a less scientific book might be more fun. This book might serve well as a text book in introductory criminology or psychology.

Rape Investigation Handbook

I am in the process of reviewing several text books with deal with various subjects in the field of Forensics. This book is one of the best I have encountered so far. In many countries this crime is referred to as sexual assault rather than rape. Canadians are so offended by the term "rape" that they changed the name of a common crop from Rape Seed to Canola. The word "rape" is sort of a pseudo swear word. This may have made the title of this book the one thing that prevents it from becoming a standard text in training facilities outside the U.S.

This book is easy to read and follows a logical progression from the initial call to the courts. Anyone involved in dealing with sexual assault cases in any capacity would benefit from having this book in their library of reference texts. This book would make an excellent training tool for police training agencies, nursing schools and emergency medical personnel.

This books starts with a brutally honest explanation from both editors of their own personal experiences in dealing with this type of crime. Sometimes the narrative reveals weaknesses within the law enforcement community which has caused these crimes to be very difficult to solve. It is rare for police agencies to criticize themselves so publicly but it also shows the changing attitudes of many experience officers and agencies.

Many of the methods for crime scene management may seem like common sense to experienced officers but the clarity and logic of these methods is an invaluable tool for both new recruits and seasoned officers. The methods for preserving and collecting evidence are clearly presented and logical in progression.

Although the cases reviewed are mostly in the U.S. they are used to show cases which were managed correctly and incorrectly. This does not change from country to country.

Forensic Dental Evidence: An Investigator's Handbook

When I was asked to review this book I accepted with a mix of enthusiasm and trepidation. I know very little about dentistry. I was keen to read a book on a subject which I have little knowledge however, I was anticipating having to do a lot of research and learn the technical jargon used in dentistry. I felt that without additional research I would not be able to review this book competently. Nothing could have been further from the truth in this case.

The first thing about this book that I was impressed with had nothing to do with the content. This book is a manageable size. There is nothing more daunting for any researcher or student than a 4000 page textbook. This book is 200 pages of well organized material and relevant photographs.

Still a little unsure of my ability to understand the content I sat down to read. To my great pleasure I read this book in 2 days. I was eased into the subject and never felt overwhelmed by scientific terminology.

This book is one of the most informative and interesting textbooks I have read. It eases the reader into the subject of forensic dentistry and provides clear well organized explanations of the applications of this branch of forensic investigation. This book is scattered with case studies which help illustrate the practical uses of forensic dentistry. Many textbooks I have read are written using tornadoes of technical jargon which leave the reader struggling to understand the material being presented. Forensic Dental Evidence is not one of these books. The language of this book is straight forward and easily understood. The subject matter is logically laid out. Each chapter explains the subject matter and then punctuates the information with exceptional photographs and relevant case studies. In addition each chapter contains a "how to collect and preserve various types of evidence section" should an investigator encounter a similar situation. When terms specific to dentistry are used they are accompanied by clear explanations or definitions.

The photographs in this book are impressive to say the least. I instantly thought of the various groups which I teach evidence recognition to when I saw the photographs of the individual types of human teeth. I will be taking this book with me to the next seminar as a teaching tool.

Bite mark analysis is a relatively new field of forensic investigation. Evidence of this type is often missed or misinterpreted. The chapter regarding this subject covers recognition, documentation and methods of comparison. There is also a comprehensive explanation of the types of cases in which this type of analysis may be useful. This chapter also includes step by step instruction on how to collect DNA samples from possible bite mark wounds.

The chapter on Physical Abuse and Forensic Dentistry may be useful to emergency medical personnel and not just forensic dental investigators. This chapter defines the various types of abuse which are common and identifies the groups in which these injuries are typically seen. There are also clear photographs of wounds which can be mistaken for bite marks.

The chapter on Dental Investigations in Mass Disasters will be useful for any personnel involved in recovery of remains in such situations. There are step by step guidelines for collection, documentation and preservation of evidence. This includes remains of any type not just dental evidence. A guide for protocol in response to mass disasters is also provided in this chapter.

Something fairly new is the use of digital imaging in evidence collection and analysis. This chapter covers the use of digital imaging devices and software. It clearly the explains the advantages of using digital images when used in conjunction with tradition photographic methods. This chapter also includes detail instruction on calculating and compensating for photographic distortion and other common problems encountered with still photography.

The final chapter in this book includes step by step instruction regarding photographic techniques.

Originally I thought I might recommend this book as a text for dental students of dentists interested in forensic investigations. I have changed my view having completed reading the book. I believe that this book should be required reading for all students of forensics. Some of the techniques described in this book can be used in almost any field of investigation. The examples of injuries and wound patterns can also be used across many fields of investigation. Groups which will consider this book especially useful will include all police forces, military and civilian search and rescue groups, medical personnel including coroners and medical examiners, photographers and computer technicians, anthropologists and social workers dealing with abuse issues. Finally this book should be recommended reading in law schools teaching criminal law and law enforcement training programs.

Cracking Cases
The Science of Solving Crimes

In Cracking Cases, Dr. Lee abandons the style of his previous publications, and instead introduces the reader to a new format. In contrast to a manual of instruction ( Henry Lee's Crime Scene Handbook, and Physical Evidence in Forensic Science ), this text is an account of Lee's involvement in, and interpretation of five independent homicide investigations

Dr. Lee chooses five extraordinary cases to present, each case emphasizing different aspects of forensic work, and each verdict strongly resting on the role of Dr. Lee.

The Mathison Murder Case, Chapter 1, demonstrates the application of blood spatter interpretation, detailing what can be learned from patterns left at the scene. The Woodchipper Case, Chapter 2, examines the role of blood enhancement in the identification of blood evidence, which can be crucial in the initial stages of an investigation. The O.J. Simpson Case, Chapter 3, addressed the proper collection of DNA evidence. This chapter also addresses the issues of contamination and the importance of scene integrity. The Sherman Case, Chapter 4, explores the establishment of time of death. This chapter illustrates postmortem changes, as well as factors which may accelerate or hinder them. The MacArthur Case, Chapter 5, examines the issue of gunshot residue and what may be assumed by the absence or presence of it.

Lee discusses the value of evidence, where it can be found, and what can be ascertained from various resources. In addition, the book provides the case facts as presented by witnesses and law enforcement investigators. Time lines and outcomes of each incident are included, with a more in-depth explanation of the science of the case following. The book renders a realistic synopsis of the conditions of crime scenes and the time required to properly work them.

Often times when reading a case study, the details go unknown. Whether it is the history of those involved, the background of the police investigation, or prosecutorial action, the reader is left with a limited amount of information. Dr. Lee's latest book encompasses all of this information into an interesting, and informative documentation of a collection of cases.

Cop: The Truth Behind the Badge

1. Racial Profiling- The Color Of A Criminal
2. Homeland Insecurity- The Price Of Freedom
3. Passenger Planes Are Safe And Clinton Didn't Spit In Her Mouth
4. Criminals Are Best When Cooked Well Along With Their Attorneys
5. Dirty Harry Was Right: Nothing Wrong With Shooting As Long As The Right People Get Shot
6. Cincinnati's Race Riots- A City Held Hostage
7. Don't Blame Cops for Inner City Turmoil- It's The Mayor's Fault
8. Ask A Crack Baby About Legalizing Drugs Then Tell Me It's Not Violent
9. Why Did She Have Two Black Eyes? 'Cause She Didn't Get It The First Time
10. Lessons Of Columbine Five Thousand School Bomb Threats Later
11. High Speed Pursuit- A Real Killer
12. The U.S. Supremes Suck! Well, Not All Of Them

I found that I enjoyed the book, even if I don't necessarily agree with all of it.

Ric is a former State Trooper, and radio talk show host. In fact the book reads very much like it was taken directly from talk show segments. (I never heard Ric's show, so perhaps it was). If you enjoyed Ric on the radio, you will no doubt like the book.

Ric has a tendency to start talking about a subject, and then drift off into semi/unrelated war stories. The war stories are where you get a glimpse of what life as a cop is really like. Too bad their aren't more of them. The editing in the book could also use a helping hand. I caught a few mis-spelled words, and I wasn't even really looking hard.

The book doesn't deal directly with criminal investigation or forensic science, although in Chapter 4 he talks a little bit about prisoners released due to DNA evidence. He explains, albeit briefly, why this doesn't necessarily mean they were innocent.

The book is really about Ric's views on a variety of social/political subjects. For life as a cop I'd have to recommend "What Cops Know" or "Homicide" over this book. However, if you are interested in the social and political forces that drive policing, then this book is for you.

Fingerprints:
The Origins of Crime Detection and the Murder Case that Launched Forensic Science

Thoroughly researched and engagingly written, this book is sure to appeal to people in the fingerprint profession, and to those who love history. The book centers around "The Shocking Tragedy at Deptford", the murder case which became the first in the United Kingdom which was solved through the use of fingerprint evidence. (There were earlier cases in other countries, and an account of one from Argentina is also included in the text).

After an account of the crime, the investigation and the suspects arrest, the author moves back in time to give an overview of the early criminal justice system. Identification of criminals was a problem, particularly attempting to identify repeat offenders. The author includes an account of the work done by the early pioneers in identification, including the struggle among them over who should get credit for the discovery of fingerprints. Some readers found this part of the book less interesting, but I was fascinated. The people who historically have been given credit for the origination of fingerprint identification, don't necessarily deserve it.

He then returns to the crime and gives an account of the trial. Fingerprints are now the most widely accepted proof of identity, but at that time the courts had not had this sort of evidence presented to them, so it was not an open and shut case by any means.

Colleagues of mine who are fingerprint examiners both enjoyed the book very much. They commented that, "It really shows that he's done his homework", and that "everyone should enjoy it".

I'd have to agree, this is quite simply the best book that I've read on the history of fingerprint identification.

Criminal Investigation: A Method for Reconstructing the Past
(Third Edition)

The text is divided into four sections with thirty chapters. New in this edition is a chapter on automobile theft. Earlier editions of the book were required reading for the International Association for Identification's crime scene certification course and I expect that will continue to be true with this edition.

The third edition continues to be bound in paperback which was one my main complaints from the second edition. The dimensions of the book of the been changed resulting in a rather more solid feel to this edition. I'd still prefer to see it in hard cover, however, I understand some of the cost factors involved, which lead to the use of a paper cover.

The third edition also includes a 228 page study guide. The instructors edition includes both an instructors guide, and a set of PowerPoint slides, although I didn't receive the slides with my review copy. Given the popularity of PowerPoint presentations I have to believe this is a valuable addition for those that are using the text in a college course.

Overall the book continues to be well written and illustrated with appropriate photographs or illustrations.

Section one is the foundation and principles of criminal investigation. Part A is the Sources and Uses of Information, which includes the History of Criminal Investigation, Uses of Physical Evidence, Using People as a Source of Information, and investigations involving records and files.

Section one Part B Seeking and Obtaining Information from People and Records, includes detailed information on Interviews, using Records and Files, and Informants. Part C Follow-up Measures includes chapters on Surveillance, Eyewitness Identification (which includes sketches, composites and line-ups) and two chapters on Interrogation.

Section two: Applying the Principles to Criminal Investigation, includes a chapter on Reconstructing the Past, and chapters on specific crimes including Homicide, Robbery, Rape, Burglary and Arson.

Section three is specialized investigations and includes Terrorism, Computers, White-collar Crime and Crimes Involving Vehicles.

Section four is specialized topics and includes chapters on What is Crime? Managing Criminal Investigations, Controlling Investigations through Constitutional Law, Evidence and Effective Testimony. Chapters which review the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, and the Lindbergh kidnapping, a chapter on Satanism, Cults and Ritual Crime (which in my opinion is still a waste of paper) and a chapter on Raids.

The text also includes five appendices: FBI suggestions for Packaging Physical Evidence, Photographing a Crime Scene, the Vicap Crime Analysis Report, Missing Person Checklist and a Glossary.

Given the breadth of the material presented, the authors can't go into great detail about any particular subject, however, each of the chapters includes an extensive list of supplemental readings.

The third edition continues to be an excellent introductory text on criminal investigation and remains one of my top recommendations.

Time of Death Decomposition and Identification an Atlas

My first thought when this arrived in the mail was geez it's awfully thin. The entire book is 112 pages. Having looked through the whole thing my opinion is that for $19.95 this would be a great book, unfortunately it's rather more than that.

In the first chapter we have fourteen pages of text discussing time of death determination and decomposition. The text is not footnoted and there is no list of references or supplemental reading. The fourteen pages of text are followed by 71 pages of black-and-white photographs. The photographs would be far more useful if they were in color. One photograph in particular notes that one of the first signs of decomposition is green discoloration of the skin, especially in the abdomen. Unfortunately without a color plate none of these signs are visible in the photograph. The remaining photographs are of average quality but they do they do a good job of depicting various manner of death and decomposition subjects.

The second chapter on identification has seven pages of text and 24 pages of photographs. Chapter two includes nine references.

Chapter three consists of four pages containing three case studies.

The extensive collection of photographs used in the book cannot alone justify its cost. Were the photographs in color, or their production value higher it might make a difference.

I would recommend the book for those of you that may be visual thinkers. However, for more in depth treatment I would recommend Spitz and Fisher's Medicolegal Investigation of Death which covers a far greater variety of death related issues and is more than worth it's somewhat higher price.