There are 3 levels of forensics texts, 03 May 2007
1. the books aimed at those that watch CSI et al and would like to know a little bit more

2. those aimed at undergraduates and other students

3. those aimed for use by "proper" forensic scientists

This book is firmly in the first catagory (there is nothing wrong with that) i agree with another reviews remark that this should not form the basis of any reserch (part of a degree is the diserning of relevent info at the right level) however if the odd student needs this book as a starting point to understand the question prior to reserch then ive never seen a problem.

However i would not recomend Jackson and Jackson as a "better introduction" more rather Crime scene to court, or possibly Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques.



Brilliant and gifted, 28 Jun 2005
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.

Not Recommended, 25 Jun 2005
Many of my students have made use of this book - and their assignments have suffered. Not recommended. For a good readable introduction to forensic science try Jackson & Jackson's "Forensic Science".

Great introduction., 27 Dec 2004
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., 27 Oct 2004
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!

There are 3 levels of forensics texts, 03 May 2007
1. the books aimed at those that watch CSI et al and would like to know a little bit more

2. those aimed at undergraduates and other students

3. those aimed for use by "proper" forensic scientists

This book is firmly in the first catagory (there is nothing wrong with that) i agree with another reviews remark that this should not form the basis of any reserch (part of a degree is the diserning of relevent info at the right level) however if the odd student needs this book as a starting point to understand the question prior to reserch then ive never seen a problem.

However i would not recomend Jackson and Jackson as a "better introduction" more rather Crime scene to court, or possibly Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques.



Brilliant and gifted, 28 Jun 2005
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.

Not Recommended, 25 Jun 2005
Many of my students have made use of this book - and their assignments have suffered. Not recommended. For a good readable introduction to forensic science try Jackson & Jackson's "Forensic Science".

Great introduction., 27 Dec 2004
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., 27 Oct 2004
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!

Fascinating, 09 Oct 2008
I really enjoyed this book. If you're the kind of person who enjoys forensic thrillers you'll love this. He gives you a lot of fascinating information about some infamous murders and the poisons used but in a very readable way. It's not scientific and impenetrable! A must for murder mystery fans.

Great read, 25 Sep 2008
A great read, a fascinating book that re-examined some well known murder cases but from the point of view of exploring the background of the chemicals used as poisons instead of the history or personal circumstances of the killer or the victim.

There are 3 levels of forensics texts, 03 May 2007
1. the books aimed at those that watch CSI et al and would like to know a little bit more

2. those aimed at undergraduates and other students

3. those aimed for use by "proper" forensic scientists

This book is firmly in the first catagory (there is nothing wrong with that) i agree with another reviews remark that this should not form the basis of any reserch (part of a degree is the diserning of relevent info at the right level) however if the odd student needs this book as a starting point to understand the question prior to reserch then ive never seen a problem.

However i would not recomend Jackson and Jackson as a "better introduction" more rather Crime scene to court, or possibly Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques.



Brilliant and gifted, 28 Jun 2005
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.

Not Recommended, 25 Jun 2005
Many of my students have made use of this book - and their assignments have suffered. Not recommended. For a good readable introduction to forensic science try Jackson & Jackson's "Forensic Science".

Great introduction., 27 Dec 2004
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., 27 Oct 2004
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!

Fascinating, 09 Oct 2008
I really enjoyed this book. If you're the kind of person who enjoys forensic thrillers you'll love this. He gives you a lot of fascinating information about some infamous murders and the poisons used but in a very readable way. It's not scientific and impenetrable! A must for murder mystery fans.

Great read, 25 Sep 2008
A great read, a fascinating book that re-examined some well known murder cases but from the point of view of exploring the background of the chemicals used as poisons instead of the history or personal circumstances of the killer or the victim.

An invaluable resource, 29 Jan 2008
I have been using this book for the three years of my degree, originally buying the first edition then the second when it was published. This is an invaluable resource for 1st year Forensic Science students and the comprehensive introductory material provides good reading for any budding CSI. Throughout my degree I have returned to this book, either as a refresher for learned material or as an introduction to further reading. The content is accessible and I have found that reading this material prior to further reading gives you the background knowledge necessary to understand more detailed specific subject texts.

The second edition does contain useful new material, including birefringence of fibres and archaeology. There is a tremendous amount of good accessible information in here, I can highly recommend it.


Excellent, 20 Sep 2006
Andrew Jackson is one of the lecturers on my Forensic Science course at Uni, so it was no surprise to find this book was listed as a core text. I used it practically every day in my first year and now I'm starting my second year I imagine I'll still refer to it for useful information.

I've found it very helpful, interesting and not too complicated (while also not being patronising like some other books).

I would greatly recommend it to anyone who is fascinated by the subject, or for those who have a genuine interest in pursuing it beyond the boundaries of "just for pleasure".

Students, 19 Oct 2005
i am a currently a student doing a forensic science degree and i find this book very helpful! as it has all releivant information and is easy to read over all it is a very good book!.

Great book!, 26 Jun 2005
I bought this book as an aid for my Forensic Science degree course and it has been extremely helpful. It contains useful and informative sections on items such as DNA, footwear impressions analysis, explosives, fibres, court procedures etc. The illustrations are also good. I found the book easy to digest and understand, definately recommended, regardless of whether you are studying this as a subject or just want to know more about forensic science.

Forensic Science Textbook Review, 10 Aug 2004
This book provides information on a wide range of Forensic techniques and enables the reader to gain an understanding of the many areas associated with Forensic Science. The use of photographs, diagrams and charts clearly displays the most important facts and makes the more difficult topics more easily comprehensible. I recommend this text for anyone interested in this subject area.

There are 3 levels of forensics texts, 03 May 2007
1. the books aimed at those that watch CSI et al and would like to know a little bit more

2. those aimed at undergraduates and other students

3. those aimed for use by "proper" forensic scientists

This book is firmly in the first catagory (there is nothing wrong with that) i agree with another reviews remark that this should not form the basis of any reserch (part of a degree is the diserning of relevent info at the right level) however if the odd student needs this book as a starting point to understand the question prior to reserch then ive never seen a problem.

However i would not recomend Jackson and Jackson as a "better introduction" more rather Crime scene to court, or possibly Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques.



Brilliant and gifted, 28 Jun 2005
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.

Not Recommended, 25 Jun 2005
Many of my students have made use of this book - and their assignments have suffered. Not recommended. For a good readable introduction to forensic science try Jackson & Jackson's "Forensic Science".

Great introduction., 27 Dec 2004
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., 27 Oct 2004
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!

Fascinating, 09 Oct 2008
I really enjoyed this book. If you're the kind of person who enjoys forensic thrillers you'll love this. He gives you a lot of fascinating information about some infamous murders and the poisons used but in a very readable way. It's not scientific and impenetrable! A must for murder mystery fans.

Great read, 25 Sep 2008
A great read, a fascinating book that re-examined some well known murder cases but from the point of view of exploring the background of the chemicals used as poisons instead of the history or personal circumstances of the killer or the victim.

An invaluable resource, 29 Jan 2008
I have been using this book for the three years of my degree, originally buying the first edition then the second when it was published. This is an invaluable resource for 1st year Forensic Science students and the comprehensive introductory material provides good reading for any budding CSI. Throughout my degree I have returned to this book, either as a refresher for learned material or as an introduction to further reading. The content is accessible and I have found that reading this material prior to further reading gives you the background knowledge necessary to understand more detailed specific subject texts.

The second edition does contain useful new material, including birefringence of fibres and archaeology. There is a tremendous amount of good accessible information in here, I can highly recommend it.


Excellent, 20 Sep 2006
Andrew Jackson is one of the lecturers on my Forensic Science course at Uni, so it was no surprise to find this book was listed as a core text. I used it practically every day in my first year and now I'm starting my second year I imagine I'll still refer to it for useful information.

I've found it very helpful, interesting and not too complicated (while also not being patronising like some other books).

I would greatly recommend it to anyone who is fascinated by the subject, or for those who have a genuine interest in pursuing it beyond the boundaries of "just for pleasure".

Students, 19 Oct 2005
i am a currently a student doing a forensic science degree and i find this book very helpful! as it has all releivant information and is easy to read over all it is a very good book!.

Great book!, 26 Jun 2005
I bought this book as an aid for my Forensic Science degree course and it has been extremely helpful. It contains useful and informative sections on items such as DNA, footwear impressions analysis, explosives, fibres, court procedures etc. The illustrations are also good. I found the book easy to digest and understand, definately recommended, regardless of whether you are studying this as a subject or just want to know more about forensic science.

Forensic Science Textbook Review, 10 Aug 2004
This book provides information on a wide range of Forensic techniques and enables the reader to gain an understanding of the many areas associated with Forensic Science. The use of photographs, diagrams and charts clearly displays the most important facts and makes the more difficult topics more easily comprehensible. I recommend this text for anyone interested in this subject area.

Excellent source for reference, 10 Dec 2005
I recently qualified as a CSI and this book was reccommended, having had a chance to quickly view its contents prior to purchase. The book delivers excellent detail and will be used for reference or indeed as background reading to anyone interested in a career in this field.

University core text, 14 Jan 2001
I found this book a great source of information and understanding during the first year of my degree in forensic science. I am yet to find whether it will be as useful in the second year. Great so far!

There are 3 levels of forensics texts, 03 May 2007
1. the books aimed at those that watch CSI et al and would like to know a little bit more

2. those aimed at undergraduates and other students

3. those aimed for use by "proper" forensic scientists

This book is firmly in the first catagory (there is nothing wrong with that) i agree with another reviews remark that this should not form the basis of any reserch (part of a degree is the diserning of relevent info at the right level) however if the odd student needs this book as a starting point to understand the question prior to reserch then ive never seen a problem.

However i would not recomend Jackson and Jackson as a "better introduction" more rather Crime scene to court, or possibly Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques.



Brilliant and gifted, 28 Jun 2005
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.

Not Recommended, 25 Jun 2005
Many of my students have made use of this book - and their assignments have suffered. Not recommended. For a good readable introduction to forensic science try Jackson & Jackson's "Forensic Science".

Great introduction., 27 Dec 2004
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., 27 Oct 2004
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!

Fascinating, 09 Oct 2008
I really enjoyed this book. If you're the kind of person who enjoys forensic thrillers you'll love this. He gives you a lot of fascinating information about some infamous murders and the poisons used but in a very readable way. It's not scientific and impenetrable! A must for murder mystery fans.

Great read, 25 Sep 2008
A great read, a fascinating book that re-examined some well known murder cases but from the point of view of exploring the background of the chemicals used as poisons instead of the history or personal circumstances of the killer or the victim.

An invaluable resource, 29 Jan 2008
I have been using this book for the three years of my degree, originally buying the first edition then the second when it was published. This is an invaluable resource for 1st year Forensic Science students and the comprehensive introductory material provides good reading for any budding CSI. Throughout my degree I have returned to this book, either as a refresher for learned material or as an introduction to further reading. The content is accessible and I have found that reading this material prior to further reading gives you the background knowledge necessary to understand more detailed specific subject texts.

The second edition does contain useful new material, including birefringence of fibres and archaeology. There is a tremendous amount of good accessible information in here, I can highly recommend it.


Excellent, 20 Sep 2006
Andrew Jackson is one of the lecturers on my Forensic Science course at Uni, so it was no surprise to find this book was listed as a core text. I used it practically every day in my first year and now I'm starting my second year I imagine I'll still refer to it for useful information.

I've found it very helpful, interesting and not too complicated (while also not being patronising like some other books).

I would greatly recommend it to anyone who is fascinated by the subject, or for those who have a genuine interest in pursuing it beyond the boundaries of "just for pleasure".

Students, 19 Oct 2005
i am a currently a student doing a forensic science degree and i find this book very helpful! as it has all releivant information and is easy to read over all it is a very good book!.

Great book!, 26 Jun 2005
I bought this book as an aid for my Forensic Science degree course and it has been extremely helpful. It contains useful and informative sections on items such as DNA, footwear impressions analysis, explosives, fibres, court procedures etc. The illustrations are also good. I found the book easy to digest and understand, definately recommended, regardless of whether you are studying this as a subject or just want to know more about forensic science.

Forensic Science Textbook Review, 10 Aug 2004
This book provides information on a wide range of Forensic techniques and enables the reader to gain an understanding of the many areas associated with Forensic Science. The use of photographs, diagrams and charts clearly displays the most important facts and makes the more difficult topics more easily comprehensible. I recommend this text for anyone interested in this subject area.

Excellent source for reference, 10 Dec 2005
I recently qualified as a CSI and this book was reccommended, having had a chance to quickly view its contents prior to purchase. The book delivers excellent detail and will be used for reference or indeed as background reading to anyone interested in a career in this field.

University core text, 14 Jan 2001
I found this book a great source of information and understanding during the first year of my degree in forensic science. I am yet to find whether it will be as useful in the second year. Great so far!

Left Cold, 01 Dec 2008
I wasn't enthused by this book. As someone who takes interest in criminology I didn't find it terribly exciting or clever. I think the book lacks more actual scientific knowledge. Sometimes the scientific references are quite vague.

Looks can be deceiving, 04 Feb 2005
I must admit that, if I saw this book in a shop, I wouldn't buy it. It looks like a children's book or one of those supermarket "Bumper Guide to" titles.

I was wrong, though. This is a great book. It is laid out by technique (Ballistics, DNA, Odonotology etc) then chronologically by case so you can see the development of the method over time.

The cases are quite short (ranging from one page to three or four) but a lot of information is imparted. Usually, we hear about the crime, the trial and the conclusion. The descriptions are straight forward and, while sometimes shocking, they are not needlessly gruesome.

It is a book pitched to anyone with an interest in forensics - the legal and medical professions as well as the general reader. This would probably be a great starting point for anyone doing background research but probably doesn't go into enough detail to be particularly useful on its own.

Don't be put off by the cover (or the title for that matter!), this is a great read.

The Casebook of Forensic Detection, 06 Aug 2002
This is an ideal book for a student of forensic science or law, who may need help to find out various cases for their studies. It gives a guide to many different cases throughout the last century, with enough detail for the student to be able to do further research.
Each new section has a brief review of what the subject matter is eg Ballistics. Colin tells a little of what ballistics is about, including some history, then he writes a little about the subject of firearms and then what can happen when firearms are fired. Other subjects covered are Cause of Death, Disputed Documents, DNA Typing, Explosives and Fire, Fingerprinting, Forensic Anthropology, Odontology, Psychological Profiling, Identification of Remains, Serology, Time of Death, Toxicology, Trace Evidence and Voiceprints.
The appendix in the book is on Forensic Pioneers and Their Cases and here Colin lists 9 forensic scientists giving their year of birth and if dead, their year of death, also a brief outline of their career or some other pertinent detail, with a list of the significant cases which they worked on.
This book is well written and with enough detail to give those who are not involved in this field a very enjoyable read.

A Basic Intro to the Realm of Forensic Science, 07 Jun 1999
The book is a basic introduction into the multiple aspects of forensic detection. While well-written, I was hoping for a bit more detail as to the technical processes utilized to analyze the evidence. I would recommend the book, albeit not to someone in the field. The book is a nice overview of the history of the field of forensic science.

An excellent book a vauled edition to any bookcase, 29 May 1999
The book is clearly set out with a Introduction at the beginning of the chapter and a conculsion at the end.

This book covers all aspects of forensic scince. Form explosion and fire to Serolgy it is a truly well rounded book.

The way the book is written a two year old could read it, it is so simple.

This book is a must for forensics

There are 3 levels of forensics texts, 03 May 2007
1. the books aimed at those that watch CSI et al and would like to know a little bit more

2. those aimed at undergraduates and other students

3. those aimed for use by "proper" forensic scientists

This book is firmly in the first catagory (there is nothing wrong with that) i agree with another reviews remark that this should not form the basis of any reserch (part of a degree is the diserning of relevent info at the right level) however if the odd student needs this book as a starting point to understand the question prior to reserch then ive never seen a problem.

However i would not recomend Jackson and Jackson as a "better introduction" more rather Crime scene to court, or possibly Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques.



Brilliant and gifted, 28 Jun 2005
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.

Not Recommended, 25 Jun 2005
Many of my students have made use of this book - and their assignments have suffered. Not recommended. For a good readable introduction to forensic science try Jackson & Jackson's "Forensic Science".

Great introduction., 27 Dec 2004
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., 27 Oct 2004
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!

Fascinating, 09 Oct 2008
I really enjoyed this book. If you're the kind of person who enjoys forensic thrillers you'll love this. He gives you a lot of fascinating information about some infamous murders and the poisons used but in a very readable way. It's not scientific and impenetrable! A must for murder mystery fans.

Great read, 25 Sep 2008
A great read, a fascinating book that re-examined some well known murder cases but from the point of view of exploring the background of the chemicals used as poisons instead of the history or personal circumstances of the killer or the victim.

An invaluable resource, 29 Jan 2008
I have been using this book for the three years of my degree, originally buying the first edition then the second when it was published. This is an invaluable resource for 1st year Forensic Science students and the comprehensive introductory material provides good reading for any budding CSI. Throughout my degree I have returned to this book, either as a refresher for learned material or as an introduction to further reading. The content is accessible and I have found that reading this material prior to further reading gives you the background knowledge necessary to understand more detailed specific subject texts.

The second edition does contain useful new material, including birefringence of fibres and archaeology. There is a tremendous amount of good accessible information in here, I can highly recommend it.


Excellent, 20 Sep 2006
Andrew Jackson is one of the lecturers on my Forensic Science course at Uni, so it was no surprise to find this book was listed as a core text. I used it practically every day in my first year and now I'm starting my second year I imagine I'll still refer to it for useful information.

I've found it very helpful, interesting and not too complicated (while also not being patronising like some other books).

I would greatly recommend it to anyone who is fascinated by the subject, or for those who have a genuine interest in pursuing it beyond the boundaries of "just for pleasure".

Students, 19 Oct 2005
i am a currently a student doing a forensic science degree and i find this book very helpful! as it has all releivant information and is easy to read over all it is a very good book!.

Great book!, 26 Jun 2005
I bought this book as an aid for my Forensic Science degree course and it has been extremely helpful. It contains useful and informative sections on items such as DNA, footwear impressions analysis, explosives, fibres, court procedures etc. The illustrations are also good. I found the book easy to digest and understand, definately recommended, regardless of whether you are studying this as a subject or just want to know more about forensic science.

Forensic Science Textbook Review, 10 Aug 2004
This book provides information on a wide range of Forensic techniques and enables the reader to gain an understanding of the many areas associated with Forensic Science. The use of photographs, diagrams and charts clearly displays the most important facts and makes the more difficult topics more easily comprehensible. I recommend this text for anyone interested in this subject area.

Excellent source for reference, 10 Dec 2005
I recently qualified as a CSI and this book was reccommended, having had a chance to quickly view its contents prior to purchase. The book delivers excellent detail and will be used for reference or indeed as background reading to anyone interested in a career in this field.

University core text, 14 Jan 2001
I found this book a great source of information and understanding during the first year of my degree in forensic science. I am yet to find whether it will be as useful in the second year. Great so far!

Left Cold, 01 Dec 2008
I wasn't enthused by this book. As someone who takes interest in criminology I didn't find it terribly exciting or clever. I think the book lacks more actual scientific knowledge. Sometimes the scientific references are quite vague.

Looks can be deceiving, 04 Feb 2005
I must admit that, if I saw this book in a shop, I wouldn't buy it. It looks like a children's book or one of those supermarket "Bumper Guide to" titles.

I was wrong, though. This is a great book. It is laid out by technique (Ballistics, DNA, Odonotology etc) then chronologically by case so you can see the development of the method over time.

The cases are quite short (ranging from one page to three or four) but a lot of information is imparted. Usually, we hear about the crime, the trial and the conclusion. The descriptions are straight forward and, while sometimes shocking, they are not needlessly gruesome.

It is a book pitched to anyone with an interest in forensics - the legal and medical professions as well as the general reader. This would probably be a great starting point for anyone doing background research but probably doesn't go into enough detail to be particularly useful on its own.

Don't be put off by the cover (or the title for that matter!), this is a great read.

The Casebook of Forensic Detection, 06 Aug 2002
This is an ideal book for a student of forensic science or law, who may need help to find out various cases for their studies. It gives a guide to many different cases throughout the last century, with enough detail for the student to be able to do further research.
Each new section has a brief review of what the subject matter is eg Ballistics. Colin tells a little of what ballistics is about, including some history, then he writes a little about the subject of firearms and then what can happen when firearms are fired. Other subjects covered are Cause of Death, Disputed Documents, DNA Typing, Explosives and Fire, Fingerprinting, Forensic Anthropology, Odontology, Psychological Profiling, Identification of Remains, Serology, Time of Death, Toxicology, Trace Evidence and Voiceprints.
The appendix in the book is on Forensic Pioneers and Their Cases and here Colin lists 9 forensic scientists giving their year of birth and if dead, their year of death, also a brief outline of their career or some other pertinent detail, with a list of the significant cases which they worked on.
This book is well written and with enough detail to give those who are not involved in this field a very enjoyable read.

A Basic Intro to the Realm of Forensic Science, 07 Jun 1999
The book is a basic introduction into the multiple aspects of forensic detection. While well-written, I was hoping for a bit more detail as to the technical processes utilized to analyze the evidence. I would recommend the book, albeit not to someone in the field. The book is a nice overview of the history of the field of forensic science.

An excellent book a vauled edition to any bookcase, 29 May 1999
The book is clearly set out with a Introduction at the beginning of the chapter and a conculsion at the end.

This book covers all aspects of forensic scince. Form explosion and fire to Serolgy it is a truly well rounded book.

The way the book is written a two year old could read it, it is so simple.

This book is a must for forensics

A fascinating history of forensic science, 23 Jul 2006
An absolutely fascinating book about scientific detection and Sherlock Holmes's contributions to it in the age of Victoria. There are chapters covering pathology, poisons, disguises, ballistics, questioned documents, fingerprinting and disguises as well as detailed accounts of historic crimes that influenced the Holmes Canon. A witty, terrific read, which is as entertaining as it is informative. I couldn't put it down.

There are 3 levels of forensics texts, 03 May 2007
1. the books aimed at those that watch CSI et al and would like to know a little bit more

2. those aimed at undergraduates and other students

3. those aimed for use by "proper" forensic scientists

This book is firmly in the first catagory (there is nothing wrong with that) i agree with another reviews remark that this should not form the basis of any reserch (part of a degree is the diserning of relevent info at the right level) however if the odd student needs this book as a starting point to understand the question prior to reserch then ive never seen a problem.

However i would not recomend Jackson and Jackson as a "better introduction" more rather Crime scene to court, or possibly Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques.



Brilliant and gifted, 28 Jun 2005
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.

Not Recommended, 25 Jun 2005
Many of my students have made use of this book - and their assignments have suffered. Not recommended. For a good readable introduction to forensic science try Jackson & Jackson's "Forensic Science".

Great introduction., 27 Dec 2004
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., 27 Oct 2004
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!

Fascinating, 09 Oct 2008
I really enjoyed this book. If you're the kind of person who enjoys forensic thrillers you'll love this. He gives you a lot of fascinating information about some infamous murders and the poisons used but in a very readable way. It's not scientific and impenetrable! A must for murder mystery fans.

Great read, 25 Sep 2008
A great read, a fascinating book that re-examined some well known murder cases but from the point of view of exploring the background of the chemicals used as poisons instead of the history or personal circumstances of the killer or the victim.

An invaluable resource, 29 Jan 2008
I have been using this book for the three years of my degree, originally buying the first edition then the second when it was published. This is an invaluable resource for 1st year Forensic Science students and the comprehensive introductory material provides good reading for any budding CSI. Throughout my degree I have returned to this book, either as a refresher for learned material or as an introduction to further reading. The content is accessible and I have found that reading this material prior to further reading gives you the background knowledge necessary to understand more detailed specific subject texts.

The second edition does contain useful new material, including birefringence of fibres and archaeology. There is a tremendous amount of good accessible information in here, I can highly recommend it.


Excellent, 20 Sep 2006
Andrew Jackson is one of the lecturers on my Forensic Science course at Uni, so it was no surprise to find this book was listed as a core text. I used it practically every day in my first year and now I'm starting my second year I imagine I'll still refer to it for useful information.

I've found it very helpful, interesting and not too complicated (while also not being patronising like some other books).

I would greatly recommend it to anyone who is fascinated by the subject, or for those who have a genuine interest in pursuing it beyond the boundaries of "just for pleasure".

Students, 19 Oct 2005
i am a currently a student doing a forensic science degree and i find this book very helpful! as it has all releivant information and is easy to read over all it is a very good book!.

Great book!, 26 Jun 2005
I bought this book as an aid for my Forensic Science degree course and it has been extremely helpful. It contains useful and informative sections on items such as DNA, footwear impressions analysis, explosives, fibres, court procedures etc. The illustrations are also good. I found the book easy to digest and understand, definately recommended, regardless of whether you are studying this as a subject or just want to know more about forensic science.

Forensic Science Textbook Review, 10 Aug 2004
This book provides information on a wide range of Forensic techniques and enables the reader to gain an understanding of the many areas associated with Forensic Science. The use of photographs, diagrams and charts clearly displays the most important facts and makes the more difficult topics more easily comprehensible. I recommend this text for anyone interested in this subject area.

Excellent source for reference, 10 Dec 2005
I recently qualified as a CSI and this book was reccommended, having had a chance to quickly view its contents prior to purchase. The book delivers excellent detail and will be used for reference or indeed as background reading to anyone interested in a career in this field.

University core text, 14 Jan 2001
I found this book a great source of information and understanding during the first year of my degree in forensic science. I am yet to find whether it will be as useful in the second year. Great so far!

Left Cold, 01 Dec 2008
I wasn't enthused by this book. As someone who takes interest in criminology I didn't find it terribly exciting or clever. I think the book lacks more actual scientific knowledge. Sometimes the scientific references are quite vague.

Looks can be deceiving, 04 Feb 2005
I must admit that, if I saw this book in a shop, I wouldn't buy it. It looks like a children's book or one of those supermarket "Bumper Guide to" titles.

I was wrong, though. This is a great book. It is laid out by technique (Ballistics, DNA, Odonotology etc) then chronologically by case so you can see the development of the method over time.

The cases are quite short (ranging from one page to three or four) but a lot of information is imparted. Usually, we hear about the crime, the trial and the conclusion. The descriptions are straight forward and, while sometimes shocking, they are not needlessly gruesome.

It is a book pitched to anyone with an interest in forensics - the legal and medical professions as well as the general reader. This would probably be a great starting point for anyone doing background research but probably doesn't go into enough detail to be particularly useful on its own.

Don't be put off by the cover (or the title for that matter!), this is a great read.

The Casebook of Forensic Detection, 06 Aug 2002
This is an ideal book for a student of forensic science or law, who may need help to find out various cases for their studies. It gives a guide to many different cases throughout the last century, with enough detail for the student to be able to do further research.
Each new section has a brief review of what the subject matter is eg Ballistics. Colin tells a little of what ballistics is about, including some history, then he writes a little about the subject of firearms and then what can happen when firearms are fired. Other subjects covered are Cause of Death, Disputed Documents, DNA Typing, Explosives and Fire, Fingerprinting, Forensic Anthropology, Odontology, Psychological Profiling, Identification of Remains, Serology, Time of Death, Toxicology, Trace Evidence and Voiceprints.
The appendix in the book is on Forensic Pioneers and Their Cases and here Colin lists 9 forensic scientists giving their year of birth and if dead, their year of death, also a brief outline of their career or some other pertinent detail, with a list of the significant cases which they worked on.
This book is well written and with enough detail to give those who are not involved in this field a very enjoyable read.

A Basic Intro to the Realm of Forensic Science, 07 Jun 1999
The book is a basic introduction into the multiple aspects of forensic detection. While well-written, I was hoping for a bit more detail as to the technical processes utilized to analyze the evidence. I would recommend the book, albeit not to someone in the field. The book is a nice overview of the history of the field of forensic science.

An excellent book a vauled edition to any bookcase, 29 May 1999
The book is clearly set out with a Introduction at the beginning of the chapter and a conculsion at the end.

This book covers all aspects of forensic scince. Form explosion and fire to Serolgy it is a truly well rounded book.

The way the book is written a two year old could read it, it is so simple.

This book is a must for forensics

A fascinating history of forensic science, 23 Jul 2006
An absolutely fascinating book about scientific detection and Sherlock Holmes's contributions to it in the age of Victoria. There are chapters covering pathology, poisons, disguises, ballistics, questioned documents, fingerprinting and disguises as well as detailed accounts of historic crimes that influenced the Holmes Canon. A witty, terrific read, which is as entertaining as it is informative. I couldn't put it down.

Oddly Unsatisfying, 24 May 2007
John Emsley is one of my favourite science writers and I came to this tome with high hopes of being thoroughly entertained, but finished it with a vague sense of disappointment

Entitled « Elements of Murder » the book actually only considers the malicious use of five _ mercury, lead, arsenic, thallium and antimony. Unhappily for Emsley (and even more unhappily for the recipient), the alleged use of polonium as a poison post dates this work, or the variety could have been improved.

The science bits of the book (how and why these things are so darned nasty) is superbly written, as are the sections of what can only be called trivia - the speculations the both Mozart and Napoleon met their ends as the result of ingesting, either by accident or design, toxic metals. Where the book fails to deliver is in the description of some famous proved cases of murder by poisoning, such as those carried out by George Chapman. Emsley is a talented science writer, not a teller of juicy scandal and by the time the last couple of murders are reached, the tales are getting a little repetitive.

Buy the book for well written popular science and you will not be disappointed: buy it for the history of crime and I think you might feel short changed.


Just what the Doctor ordered., 08 Feb 2007
I really enjoyed reading this book. It struck an excellent balance between scientific insight and salacious gossip. What a combination!

I was reading this in my hospital bed needing something demanding enough to save me from terminal boredom, but that I could pick up in short bursts. Just what the Doctor ordered.

A Cheap 'Cut and Paste' Effort. , 27 Nov 2006
The concept of the book is clever: it takes the main heavy metal elements and discusses their uses and misuses, in respect of murder.
The result, however, is disappointing. It appears to have been written across a weekend by taking a few very basis facts and then pasting in chunks of `off the shelf' (often rambling) criminal biography.
Considering Emsley is a scientist most parts of the book are so un-scientific to be exasperating. I quote just two examples: in respect of the possibility of lead ingestion being the cause of gout (in the 1800's) `there is no reason why this could (cause gout) but it does' (!). Equally the madness of King George III he attributes to lead (despite a mass of contrary research on this subject - which he fails to quote), `because he was fond of lemonade and sauerkraut' (allegedly high in lead).
Readable, but a really cheap `put-together'. Mr Emsley, please spend a little more time

It didn't meet my expectations., 03 Sep 2006
This book was promising. My advice would be to read the introduction which is well written and interesting and ignore the rest of it. Everything that followed the introduction was of such a poor quality that I could not believe the author of the introduction to be the same as for the main body of the book. For reasons best known to the author there were digressions into vitriolic judgements on the sexual proclivities of King Charles and some quite unsustainable remarks about Isaac Newton. What a shame! I was really looking forward to this book, and whereas the introduction had some very nicely written paragraphs the main body of the book was in ungainly prose. I didn't read much beyond the third chapter -perhaps it improved.
For something much more worthwhile read Poisons: From Hemlock to Botox and the Killer Bean of Calabar by Peter Macinnins.

There are 3 levels of forensics texts, 03 May 2007
1. the books aimed at those that watch CSI et al and would like to know a little bit more

2. those aimed at undergraduates and other students

3. those aimed for use by "proper" forensic scientists

This book is firmly in the first catagory (there is nothing wrong with that) i agree with another reviews remark that this should not form the basis of any reserch (part of a degree is the diserning of relevent info at the right level) however if the odd student needs this book as a starting point to understand the question prior to reserch then ive never seen a problem.

However i would not recomend Jackson and Jackson as a "better introduction" more rather Crime scene to court, or possibly Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques.



Brilliant and gifted, 28 Jun 2005
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.

Not Recommended, 25 Jun 2005
Many of my students have made use of this book - and their assignments have suffered. Not recommended. For a good readable introduction to forensic science try Jackson & Jackson's "Forensic Science".

Great introduction., 27 Dec 2004
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., 27 Oct 2004
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!

Fascinating, 09 Oct 2008
I really enjoyed this book. If you're the kind of person who enjoys forensic thrillers you'll love this. He gives you a lot of fascinating information about some infamous murders and the poisons used but in a very readable way. It's not scientific and impenetrable! A must for murder mystery fans.

Great read, 25 Sep 2008
A great read, a fascinating book that re-examined some well known murder cases but from the point of view of exploring the background of the chemicals used as poisons instead of the history or personal circumstances of the killer or the victim.

An invaluable resource, 29 Jan 2008
I have been using this book for the three years of my degree, originally buying the first edition then the second when it was published. This is an invaluable resource for 1st year Forensic Science students and the comprehensive introductory material provides good reading for any budding CSI. Throughout my degree I have returned to this book, either as a refresher for learned material or as an introduction to further reading. The content is accessible and I have found that reading this material prior to further reading gives you the background knowledge necessary to understand more detailed specific subject texts.

The second edition does contain useful new material, including birefringence of fibres and archaeology. There is a tremendous amount of good accessible information in here, I can highly recommend it.


Excellent, 20 Sep 2006
Andrew Jackson is one of the lecturers on my Forensic Science course at Uni, so it was no surprise to find this book was listed as a core text. I used it practically every day in my first year and now I'm starting my second year I imagine I'll still refer to it for useful information.

I've found it very helpful, interesting and not too complicated (while also not being patronising like some other books).

I would greatly recommend it to anyone who is fascinated by the subject, or for those who have a genuine interest in pursuing it beyond the boundaries of "just for pleasure".

Students, 19 Oct 2005
i am a currently a student doing a forensic science degree and i find this book very helpful! as it has all releivant information and is easy to read over all it is a very good book!.

Great book!, 26 Jun 2005
I bought this book as an aid for my Forensic Science degree course and it has been extremely helpful. It contains useful and informative sections on items such as DNA, footwear impressions analysis, explosives, fibres, court procedures etc. The illustrations are also good. I found the book easy to digest and understand, definately recommended, regardless of whether you are studying this as a subject or just want to know more about forensic science.

Forensic Science Textbook Review, 10 Aug 2004
This book provides information on a wide range of Forensic techniques and enables the reader to gain an understanding of the many areas associated with Forensic Science. The use of photographs, diagrams and charts clearly displays the most important facts and makes the more difficult topics more easily comprehensible. I recommend this text for anyone interested in this subject area.

Excellent source for reference, 10 Dec 2005
I recently qualified as a CSI and this book was reccommended, having had a chance to quickly view its contents prior to purchase. The book delivers excellent detail and will be used for reference or indeed as background reading to anyone interested in a career in this field.

University core text, 14 Jan 2001
I found this book a great source of information and understanding during the first year of my degree in forensic science. I am yet to find whether it will be as useful in the second year. Great so far!

Left Cold, 01 Dec 2008
I wasn't enthused by this book. As someone who takes interest in criminology I didn't find it terribly exciting or clever. I think the book lacks more actual scientific knowledge. Sometimes the scientific references are quite vague.

Looks can be deceiving, 04 Feb 2005
I must admit that, if I saw this book in a shop, I wouldn't buy it. It looks like a children's book or one of those supermarket "Bumper Guide to" titles.

I was wrong, though. This is a great book. It is laid out by technique (Ballistics, DNA, Odonotology etc) then chronologically by case so you can see the development of the method over time.

The cases are quite short (ranging from one page to three or four) but a lot of information is imparted. Usually, we hear about the crime, the trial and the conclusion. The descriptions are straight forward and, while sometimes shocking, they are not needlessly gruesome.

It is a book pitched to anyone with an interest in forensics - the legal and medical professions as well as the general reader. This would probably be a great starting point for anyone doing background research but probably doesn't go into enough detail to be particularly useful on its own.

Don't be put off by the cover (or the title for that matter!), this is a great read.

The Casebook of Forensic Detection, 06 Aug 2002
This is an ideal book for a student of forensic science or law, who may need help to find out various cases for their studies. It gives a guide to many different cases throughout the last century, with enough detail for the student to be able to do further research.
Each new section has a brief review of what the subject matter is eg Ballistics. Colin tells a little of what ballistics is about, including some history, then he writes a little about the subject of firearms and then what can happen when firearms are fired. Other subjects covered are Cause of Death, Disputed Documents, DNA Typing, Explosives and Fire, Fingerprinting, Forensic Anthropology, Odontology, Psychological Profiling, Identification of Remains, Serology, Time of Death, Toxicology, Trace Evidence and Voiceprints.
The appendix in the book is on Forensic Pioneers and Their Cases and here Colin lists 9 forensic scientists giving their year of birth and if dead, their year of death, also a brief outline of their career or some other pertinent detail, with a list of the significant cases which they worked on.
This book is well written and with enough detail to give those who are not involved in this field a very enjoyable read.

A Basic Intro to the Realm of Forensic Science, 07 Jun 1999
The book is a basic introduction into the multiple aspects of forensic detection. While well-written, I was hoping for a bit more detail as to the technical processes utilized to analyze the evidence. I would recommend the book, albeit not to someone in the field. The book is a nice overview of the history of the field of forensic science.

An excellent book a vauled edition to any bookcase, 29 May 1999
The book is clearly set out with a Introduction at the beginning of the chapter and a conculsion at the end.

This book covers all aspects of forensic scince. Form explosion and fire to Serolgy it is a truly well rounded book.

The way the book is written a two year old could read it, it is so simple.

This book is a must for forensics

A fascinating history of forensic science, 23 Jul 2006
An absolutely fascinating book about scientific detection and Sherlock Holmes's contributions to it in the age of Victoria. There are chapters covering pathology, poisons, disguises, ballistics, questioned documents, fingerprinting and disguises as well as detailed accounts of historic crimes that influenced the Holmes Canon. A witty, terrific read, which is as entertaining as it is informative. I couldn't put it down.

Oddly Unsatisfying, 24 May 2007
John Emsley is one of my favourite science writers and I came to this tome with high hopes of being thoroughly entertained, but finished it with a vague sense of disappointment

Entitled « Elements of Murder » the book actually only considers the malicious use of five _ mercury, lead, arsenic, thallium and antimony. Unhappily for Emsley (and even more unhappily for the recipient), the alleged use of polonium as a poison post dates this work, or the variety could have been improved.

The science bits of the book (how and why these things are so darned nasty) is superbly written, as are the sections of what can only be called trivia - the speculations the both Mozart and Napoleon met their ends as the result of ingesting, either by accident or design, toxic metals. Where the book fails to deliver is in the description of some famous proved cases of murder by poisoning, such as those carried out by George Chapman. Emsley is a talented science writer, not a teller of juicy scandal and by the time the last couple of murders are reached, the tales are getting a little repetitive.

Buy the book for well written popular science and you will not be disappointed: buy it for the history of crime and I think you might feel short changed.


Just what the Doctor ordered., 08 Feb 2007
I really enjoyed reading this book. It struck an excellent balance between scientific insight and salacious gossip. What a combination!

I was reading this in my hospital bed needing something demanding enough to save me from terminal boredom, but that I could pick up in short bursts. Just what the Doctor ordered.

A Cheap 'Cut and Paste' Effort. , 27 Nov 2006
The concept of the book is clever: it takes the main heavy metal elements and discusses their uses and misuses, in respect of murder.
The result, however, is disappointing. It appears to have been written across a weekend by taking a few very basis facts and then pasting in chunks of `off the shelf' (often rambling) criminal biography.
Considering Emsley is a scientist most parts of the book are so un-scientific to be exasperating. I quote just two examples: in respect of the possibility of lead ingestion being the cause of gout (in the 1800's) `there is no reason why this could (cause gout) but it does' (!). Equally the madness of King George III he attributes to lead (despite a mass of contrary research on this subject - which he fails to quote), `because he was fond of lemonade and sauerkraut' (allegedly high in lead).
Readable, but a really cheap `put-together'. Mr Emsley, please spend a little more time

It didn't meet my expectations., 03 Sep 2006
This book was promising. My advice would be to read the introduction which is well written and interesting and ignore the rest of it. Everything that followed the introduction was of such a poor quality that I could not believe the author of the introduction to be the same as for the main body of the book. For reasons best known to the author there were digressions into vitriolic judgements on the sexual proclivities of King Charles and some quite unsustainable remarks about Isaac Newton. What a shame! I was really looking forward to this book, and whereas the introduction had some very nicely written paragraphs the main body of the book was in ungainly prose. I didn't read much beyond the third chapter -perhaps it improved.
For something much more worthwhile read Poisons: From Hemlock to Botox and the Killer Bean of Calabar by Peter Macinnins.

Essential reading for Costume Designers, 08 May 2007
I am so glad that someone has finally written a book for Costume Design-a very different skill to Fashion Design. The techniques for drawing figures are not new, but are very clearly explained nonetheless. What makes this book different is the empahsis placed on the characterisation of the actor through the costume design itself; I've not found another book where the dramatic potential of costume is explored in such depth and with such clarity. A fabulous book for anyone wanting to design costumes.

There are 3 levels of forensics texts, 03 May 2007
1. the books aimed at those that watch CSI et al and would like to know a little bit more

2. those aimed at undergraduates and other students

3. those aimed for use by "proper" forensic scientists

This book is firmly in the first catagory (there is nothing wrong with that) i agree with another reviews remark that this should not form the basis of any reserch (part of a degree is the diserning of relevent info at the right level) however if the odd student needs this book as a starting point to understand the question prior to reserch then ive never seen a problem.

However i would not recomend Jackson and Jackson as a "better introduction" more rather Crime scene to court, or possibly Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques.



Brilliant and gifted, 28 Jun 2005
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.

Not Recommended, 25 Jun 2005
Many of my students have made use of this book - and their assignments have suffered. Not recommended. For a good readable introduction to forensic science try Jackson & Jackson's "Forensic Science".

Great introduction., 27 Dec 2004
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., 27 Oct 2004
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!

Fascinating, 09 Oct 2008
I really enjoyed this book. If you're the kind of person who enjoys forensic thrillers you'll love this. He gives you a lot of fascinating information about some infamous murders and the poisons used but in a very readable way. It's not scientific and impenetrable! A must for murder mystery fans.

Great read, 25 Sep 2008
A great read, a fascinating book that re-examined some well known murder cases but from the point of view of exploring the background of the chemicals used as poisons instead of the history or personal circumstances of the killer or the victim.

An invaluable resource, 29 Jan 2008
I have been using this book for the three years of my degree, originally buying the first edition then the second when it was published. This is an invaluable resource for 1st year Forensic Science students and the comprehensive introductory material provides good reading for any budding CSI. Throughout my degree I have returned to this book, either as a refresher for learned material or as an introduction to further reading. The content is accessible and I have found that reading this material prior to further reading gives you the background knowledge necessary to understand more detailed specific subject texts.

The second edition does contain useful new material, including birefringence of fibres and archaeology. There is a tremendous amount of good accessible information in here, I can highly recommend it.


Excellent, 20 Sep 2006
Andrew Jackson is one of the lecturers on my Forensic Science course at Uni, so it was no surprise to find this book was listed as a core text. I used it practically every day in my first year and now I'm starting my second year I imagine I'll still refer to it for useful information.

I've found it very helpful, interesting and not too complicated (while also not being patronising like some other books).

I would greatly recommend it to anyone who is fascinated by the subject, or for those who have a genuine interest in pursuing it beyond the boundaries of "just for pleasure".

Students, 19 Oct 2005
i am a currently a student doing a forensic science degree and i find this book very helpful! as it has all releivant information and is easy to read over all it is a very good book!.

Great book!, 26 Jun 2005
I bought this book as an aid for my Forensic Science degree course and it has been extremely helpful. It contains useful and informative sections on items such as DNA, footwear impressions analysis, explosives, fibres, court procedures etc. The illustrations are also good. I found the book easy to digest and understand, definately recommended, regardless of whether you are studying this as a subject or just want to know more about forensic science.

Forensic Science Textbook Review, 10 Aug 2004
This book provides information on a wide range of Forensic techniques and enables the reader to gain an understanding of the many areas associated with Forensic Science. The use of photographs, diagrams and charts clearly displays the most important facts and makes the more difficult topics more easily comprehensible. I recommend this text for anyone interested in this subject area.

Excellent source for reference, 10 Dec 2005
I recently qualified as a CSI and this book was reccommended, having had a chance to quickly view its contents prior to purchase. The book delivers excellent detail and will be used for reference or indeed as background reading to anyone interested in a career in this field.

University core text, 14 Jan 2001
I found this book a great source of information and understanding during the first year of my degree in forensic science. I am yet to find whether it will be as useful in the second year. Great so far!

Left Cold, 01 Dec 2008
I wasn't enthused by this book. As someone who takes interest in criminology I didn't find it terribly exciting or clever. I think the book lacks more actual scientific knowledge. Sometimes the scientific references are quite vague.

Looks can be deceiving, 04 Feb 2005
I must admit that, if I saw this book in a shop, I wouldn't buy it. It looks like a children's book or one of those supermarket "Bumper Guide to" titles.

I was wrong, though. This is a great book. It is laid out by technique (Ballistics, DNA, Odonotology etc) then chronologically by case so you can see the development of the method over time.

The cases are quite short (ranging from one page to three or four) but a lot of information is imparted. Usually, we hear about the crime, the trial and the conclusion. The descriptions are straight forward and, while sometimes shocking, they are not needlessly gruesome.

It is a book pitched to anyone with an interest in forensics - the legal and medical professions as well as the general reader. This would probably be a great starting point for anyone doing background research but probably doesn't go into enough detail to be particularly useful on its own.

Don't be put off by the cover (or the title for that matter!), this is a great read.

The Casebook of Forensic Detection, 06 Aug 2002
This is an ideal book for a student of forensic science or law, who may need help to find out various cases for their studies. It gives a guide to many different cases throughout the last century, with enough detail for the student to be able to do further research.
Each new section has a brief review of what the subject matter is eg Ballistics. Colin tells a little of what ballistics is about, including some history, then he writes a little about the subject of firearms and then what can happen when firearms are fired. Other subjects covered are Cause of Death, Disputed Documents, DNA Typing, Explosives and Fire, Fingerprinting, Forensic Anthropology, Odontology, Psychological Profiling, Identification of Remains, Serology, Time of Death, Toxicology, Trace Evidence and Voiceprints.
The appendix in the book is on Forensic Pioneers and Their Cases and here Colin lists 9 forensic scientists giving their year of birth and if dead, their year of death, also a brief outline of their career or some other pertinent detail, with a list of the significant cases which they worked on.
This book is well written and with enough detail to give those who are not involved in this field a very enjoyable read.

A Basic Intro to the Realm of Forensic Science, 07 Jun 1999
The book is a basic introduction into the multiple aspects of forensic detection. While well-written, I was hoping for a bit more detail as to the technical processes utilized to analyze the evidence. I would recommend the book, albeit not to someone in the field. The book is a nice overview of the history of the field of forensic science.

An excellent book a vauled edition to any bookcase, 29 May 1999
The book is clearly set out with a Introduction at the beginning of the chapter and a conculsion at the end.

This book covers all aspects of forensic scince. Form explosion and fire to Serolgy it is a truly well rounded book.

The way the book is written a two year old could read it, it is so simple.

This book is a must for forensics

A fascinating history of forensic science, 23 Jul 2006
An absolutely fascinating book about scientific detection and Sherlock Holmes's contributions to it in the age of Victoria. There are chapters covering pathology, poisons, disguises, ballistics, questioned documents, fingerprinting and disguises as well as detailed accounts of historic crimes that influenced the Holmes Canon. A witty, terrific read, which is as entertaining as it is informative. I couldn't put it down.

Oddly Unsatisfying, 24 May 2007
John Emsley is one of my favourite science writers and I came to this tome with high hopes of being thoroughly entertained, but finished it with a vague sense of disappointment

Entitled « Elements of Murder » the book actually only considers the malicious use of five _ mercury, lead, arsenic, thallium and antimony. Unhappily for Emsley (and even more unhappily for the recipient), the alleged use of polonium as a poison post dates this work, or the variety could have been improved.

The science bits of the book (how and why these things are so darned nasty) is superbly written, as are the sections of what can only be called trivia - the speculations the both Mozart and Napoleon met their ends as the result of ingesting, either by accident or design, toxic metals. Where the book fails to deliver is in the description of some famous proved cases of murder by poisoning, such as those carried out by George Chapman. Emsley is a talented science writer, not a teller of juicy scandal and by the time the last couple of murders are reached, the tales are getting a little repetitive.

Buy the book for well written popular science and you will not be disappointed: buy it for the history of crime and I think you might feel short changed.


Just what the Doctor ordered., 08 Feb 2007
I really enjoyed reading this book. It struck an excellent balance between scientific insight and salacious gossip. What a combination!

I was reading this in my hospital bed needing something demanding enough to save me from terminal boredom, but that I could pick up in short bursts. Just what the Doctor ordered.

A Cheap 'Cut and Paste' Effort. , 27 Nov 2006
The concept of the book is clever: it takes the main heavy metal elements and discusses their uses and misuses, in respect of murder.
The result, however, is disappointing. It appears to have been written across a weekend by taking a few very basis facts and then pasting in chunks of `off the shelf' (often rambling) criminal biography.
Considering Emsley is a scientist mos