Forensics by Val McDermid
TITLE: Forensics: The Anatomy of Crime
AUTHOR: Val McDermid
DATE PUBLISHED: 2014
FORMAT: e-book
ISBN-13: 978 184765 9903
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Forensics by Val McDermid takes a look at the variety of techniques and tools (forensic science) used by criminal investigators to solve a variety of crimes. Topics surveyed in this book include: the crime scene and preserving evidence; fire scene investigation; entomology; toxicology; pathology; fingerprinting; DNA; anthropology; facial reconstruction; digital forensics; forensic psychology; and how forensics is presented in the courtroom. McDermid takes a look at how each of these techniques developed, the history behind the methods and how they are used or not used (mostly for cost reasons).
An interesting aspect that the author brings us is that there are no definitive rules or results. Every forensic conclusion can be stained with doubt and no single forensic test is the only conclusive evidence of guilt. Additional information can also be obtained from old evidence as scientific techniques progress, specific analyses become more refined or new techniques are developed.
McDermid has a lovely, clear writing style and makes use of a large variety of examples to elucidate the various topics she covers. I found this book to be somewhat interesting and to provide an introductory overview of the forensic techniques used to solve crimes. I did, however, want to read more about the actual science behind all the forensic techniques. This book is just too superficial.
