Product Description

A plain–English primer on crime scene investigation that′s a must for fans of CSI or Patricia Cornwell
Since the O. J. Simpson case, popular interest in forensic science has exploded: CBS′s CSI has 16 to 26 million viewers every week, and Patricia Cornwell′s novels featuring a medical examiner sleuth routinely top bestseller lists, to cite just a few examples. Now, everyone can get the lowdown on the science behind crime scene investigations. Using lots of fascinating case studies, forensics expert Dr. D. P. Lyle clues people in on everything from determining cause and time of death to fingerprints, fibers, blood, ballistics, forensic computing, and forensic psychology. With its clear, entertaining explanations of forensic procedures and techniques, this book will be an indispensable reference for mystery fans and true crime aficionados everywhere–and even includes advice for people interested in forensic science careers.
D. P. Lyle, MD (Laguna Hills, CA), is a practicing cardiologist who is also a forensics expert and mystery writer. He runs a Web site that answers writers′ questions about forensics, dplylemd.com, and is the author of Murder and Mayhem: A Doctor Answers Medical and Forensic Questions for Writers, as well as several mystery novels. John Pless, MD, is Professor Emeritus of Pathology at Indiana University School of Medicine and former President of the National Association of Medical Examiners.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10223 in Books
• Published on: 2004-04-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Review
“…leaves you wondering how anyone ever manages to get away with any crime, let alone murder. Highly recommended...” (Fortean Times, March 2005)

“…fascinating reading…a must–have book…a superb introduction to a fascinating subject…” (Ripperologist, July 2004)

Fortean Times, March 2005
"...leaves you wondering how anyone ever manages to get away with any crime, let alone murder. Highly recommended."

From the Back Cover
Features famous forensic case studies

"Dynamic, entertaining, and educational . . .blows the lid off the science of crime."
—Kathleen Antrim, author of Capital Offense

Fascinated by forensics? This plain–English guide introduces you to all the key players behind the investigations, revealing how they work crime scenes to identify the victim, criminal, and the circumstances surrounding the crime. You’ll follow the medical examiner and the forensic team in action, find out how they collect and evaluate evidence, and get a glimpse into the criminal mind.

Praise for Forensics For Dummies

"Dr. Doug Lyle has created the must–have guide to forensic science."
– Simon Wood, author of Accidents Waiting to Happen

"An informative, fun, and accessible compendium of facts for laymen and professionals alike. Highly recommended."
– Barbara Seranella, creator of the Munch Mancini crime novels

"This is the lay person’s indispensable guide to the fine art of criminal investigation."
— Taylor Smith, author of Liar’s Market and other novels of suspense

Discover how to:

• Assess the scene of a crime
• Analyze trace evidence
• Determine how and when a victim died
• Trace drugs and poisons in the body
• Evaluate firearms evidence
• Pursue a career in forensics

Customer Reviews

Brilliant and gifted
Lecturers and teachers who moan about this book have totally missed the point: it is not a serious text for wannabe scientists or degree students. The title should be the biggest clue. Any student who actually uses it as the main source of material for a degree level essay (rather than Jackson and Jackson, White, Saferstein, Lee or Pepper)should be sacked and sent home.
Forensics for Dummies is written by a man who has been there and done that - and this shows in his text and content. Many of his peers have aparently spent too long in Universities and have failed, as a result, to engage their readers.
I commend this book to you as an easy way of entering the world of forensic science, not as a text book.

Great introduction.
This is a great introduction to the world of forensic science. It covers just about everything, from the various jobs in the field, through the legal and scientific laboratory processes to the behaviour of the criminal mind, the human body and physical and biological evidence. The text is clear and concise with lots of examples to corroborate the information. The section entitled Ten Ways Hollywood Gets It Wrong makes it worthwhile in itself. For those interested in pursuing a career in forensics there is even a section on what kind of education one needs. However, as mentioned by another reviewer, it is an American book so there may be differences between the way American and British systems work. Where the job of forensic investigator is concerned, the book is a true eye opener as it shows how the writers of the CSI shows and others use artistic licence to create a watchable programme. The reality of actual departments is sometimes very different.

An excellent Introduction to a fascinating subject.
It may come under the '... for Dummies' series, but this is an excellent introduction to a fascinating subject, tho' not for the 'faint hearted'! If you're not keen on the gory details, then don't get this book. If, on the other hand, forensics and its kindred subjects fascinates and intrigues you, then this is for you!
The layout is good, and the subjects in each chapter are clearly explained. Whilst the format is naturally American based, as is the majority of the content, this is still a worthwhile addition to the library of any fan of CSI's, either in the UK or US.
If you are a crime writer, or want-to-be-a-crime-writer, then have this book by your side. Definately worth the money!