Silent Witnesses : The Often Gruesome but Always Fascinating History of Forensic Science

"It is a fascinating story, and makes for a thoroughly good read." —The Guardian "A convincing and readable history of a science defined by the simple maxim: 'Every contact leaves a trace.'" —The Times Silent Witnesses explores the fascinating progression of forensic science over the last two centuries. In accessible and entertaining prose, former police officer Nigel McCrery weaves together dramatic narrative and scientific principles to explain the major areas of forensics, including ballistics, fiber analysis, and genetic fingerprinting, with reference to the cases and experts that proved their value. Readers are introduced to such fascinating figures as Dr. Edmond Locard, the "French Sherlock Holmes"; Edward Heinrich, who is credited with having solved over 2,000 crimes; and Alphonse Bertillon, the French scientist whose guiding principle, "no two individuals share the same characteristics," became the core of criminal identification. Landmark crime investigations examined in depth include a notorious Ohio murder involving blood evidence and defended by F. Lee Bailey; the 1936 murder of a promising Manhattan novelist that demonstrated the usefulness of the microscope in examining trace evidence; the 1849 murder of a wealthy Boston socialite, businessman, and philanthropist demonstrating how difficult it is to successfully dispose of a corpse, and many others. Nigel McCrery was a police officer before he joined the BBC in 1990. There he has worked on a number of documentaries and created various series, including the crime/forensics drama Silent Witness. He is the author of several crime novels, including Still Waters. Crime Novelist And Former Police Officer Nigel Mccrery Provides An Account Of All The Major Areas Of Forensic Science From Around The World Over The Past Two Centuries. The Book Weaves Dramatic Narrative And Scientific Principles Together In A Way That Allows Readers To Figure Out Crimes Along With The Experts. Readers Are Introduced To Such Fascinating Figures As Dr. Edmond Locard, The French Sherlock Holmes; Edward Heinrich, Wizard Of Berkeley, Who Is Credited With Having Solved More Than 2,000 Crimes; And Alphonse Bertillon, The French Scientist Whose Guiding Principle, No Two Individuals Share The Same Characteristics, Became The Core Of Criminal Identification. Landmark Crime Investigations Examined In Depth Include A Notorious Murder Involving Blood Evidence And Defended By F. Lee Bailey, The Seminal 1936 Murder That Demonstrated The Usefulness Of The Microscope In Examining Trace Evidence, The 1849 Murder Of A Wealthy Boston Businessman That Demonstrated How Difficult It Is To Successfully Dispose Of A Corpse, And Many Others--,Through Examinations Of Specific Cases Throughout History, Crime Novelist And Former Police Officer Nigel Mccrery Explores The Gruesome But Fascinating History And Progress Of Forensic Science Around The World-- "Crime novelist and former police officer Nigel McCrery provides an account of all the major areas of forensic science from around the world over the past two centuries. The book weaves dramatic narrative and scientific principles together in a way that allows readers to figure out crimes along with the experts. Readers are introduced to such fascinating figures as Dr. Edmond Locard, the "French Sherlock Holmes;" Edward Heinrich, "Wizard of Berkeley," who is credited with having solved more than 2,000 crimes; and Alphonse Bertillon, the French scientist whose guiding principle, "no two individuals share the same characteristics," became the core of criminal identification. Landmark crime investigations examined in depth include a notorious murder involving blood evidence and defended by F. Lee Bailey, the seminal 1936 murder that demonstrated the usefulness of the microscope in examining trace evidence, the 1849 murder of a wealthy Boston businessman that demonstrated how difficult it is to successfully dispose of a corpse, and many others"-- Provided by publisher "Through examinations of specific cases throughout history, crime novelist and former police officer Nigel McCrery explores the gruesome but fascinating history and progress of forensic science around the world"-- Provided by publisher