WINNER OF THE CWA GOLD DAGGER FOR NON-FICTION 'Gripping from the start, Written in Bone is superb' - Dr Richard Shepherd, author of Unnatural Causes 'No Scientist communicates better than Sue Black' - Val McDermid, author of Still Life 'Macabre, authoritative and fascinating.' - The Sunday Times Our bones are the silent witnesses to the lives we lead. Our stories are marbled into their marrow. Drawing upon her years of research and a wealth of remarkable experience, the world-renowned forensic anthropologist Professor Dame Sue Black takes us on a journey of revelation. From skull to feet, via the face, spine, chest, arms, hands, pelvis and legs, she shows that each part of us has a tale to tell. What we eat, where we go, everything we do leaves a trace, a message that waits patiently for months, years, sometimes centuries, until a forensic anthropologist is called upon to decipher it. Some of this information is easily understood, some holds its secrets tight and needs scientific cajoling to be released. But by carefully piecing together the evidence, the facts of a life can be rebuilt. Limb by limb, case by case - some criminal, some historical, some unaccountably bizarre - Sue Black reconstructs with intimate sensitivity and compassion the hidden stories in what we leave behind. Praise for Sue Black: 'Sue Black has a rare ability to make blood and bones come alive. A marvellous writer. Ruth Davidson, SMP 'The corpse whisperer ... Is it okay for Black, or us, to enjoy this quite so much?' 'Fascinating' - Spectator 'Gripping' - Guardian 'Moving' - Scotsman 'Engrossing' - Financial Times

Chemical Analysis of Firearms, Ammunition, and Gunshot Residue, Second Edition continues in the tradition of the popular first edition, filling the void in forensic texts on the subject. While most books on firearms focus solely on the physical aspects of firearms, this book addresses forensic issues relating to the chemical aspects of firearms and ammunition. It draws on the latest published literature including books, scientific papers, technical reports, manufacturer's literature, newspaper articles, and personal observations and research conducted by the author. This edition is fully updated, introducing the history and development of firearms and ammunition including advances in the chemical analysis of them. Several changes in primer compositions and the particle classification system are addressed with new techniques added on evidence collection and testing methods. Coverage details chemical aspects of forensic firearms casework with particular emphasis on the detection of gunshot residues (GSR), firearm discharge residues (FDR), and cartridge discharge residues (CDR) on a suspect's skin and clothing surfaces. Two new chapters have been added. One deals with unusual firearms case while the other summarizes a controversial, high-profile Australian case involving inorganic and organic gunshot residue, highlighting the dangers of incorrect forensic evidence and the increased need for careful training of forensic scientists. Fully updated to reflect the latest techniques and tests for particle and chemical classification Provides a complete history of firearms and ammunition development as well as advances in the chemical analysis involved in forensic firearm casework Features a one-of-a-kind chapter on processing suspects, a crucial component in many firearms and explosives residue cases The book will serves as a useful to forensic chemists, investigators, ballistics experts, among other professionals serving in a variety of forensic disciplines.

The digital revolution over the past several decades has advanced every facet of evidence detection, photography, optimization, and interpretation. Forensic scientists and practitioners have benefited tremendously from the move from film to digital. With proper procedures in place, digital images and casework capabilities have increased tremendously in both complexity and range due to a vast array of tools to enhance evidence and photography. Forensic Digital Image Processing: Optimization of Impression Evidence provides the forensic investigator with the tools and understanding to extract, optimize, and interpret the maximum evidence possible from crime scenes to increase identifications. The book begins by examining the emergence of forensic digital image processing, and the gradual improvement and acceptance of the science over the past four decades. Coverage includes looking at the issues of image integrity and authentication including forensic image optimization and the manipulation of images. Chapters explore techniques exploiting color theory, modes, and channels to optimize signal-to-noise ratio in images. One of the greatest assets of digital image technology is the ability to combine multiple images of the same subject to create a final, blended image: one that displays the desired evidence and is especially useful for fingerprint or footwear impression. Later chapters demonstrate image subtraction, focus stacking, and high dynamic range, utilizing images in optimum focus and with substrate interference diminished or removed entirely. The authors look at fast Fourier transform as an optimal tool for noise removal, addressing basic theory and diagnosis of the noise signatures. The book discusses the history of digital imaging techniques and their treatment within the court system. Forensic Digital Image Processing: Optimization of Impression Evidence serves as an invaluable resource and tool for practicing professionals-as well as those new to the field-to look at best practices, the latest technology, and advances in utilizing the increasing array of tools of the trade.

Contents:
1. An Introduction to Fires and Fire Investigation 2. Fires from Causes other than Electrical Malfunctions: Theory and Case Studies 3. Electricity and Fire 4. The Use of Laboratory Reconstruction in Fire Investigation 5. Modern Laboratory Techniques Involved in the Analysis of Fire Debris Samples 6. Interpretation of Laboratory Data 7. Sources of Interference in Fire Debris Analysis

The Science of Crime Scenes, Second Edition offers a science-based approach to crime scenes, emphasizing that understanding is more important than simply knowing. Without sacrificing technical details, the book adds significantly to the philosophy and theory of crime scene science. This new edition addresses the science behind the scenes and demonstrates the latest methods and technologies with updated figures and images. It covers the philosophy of the crime scene, the personnel involved at a scene (including the media), the detection of criminal traces and their reconstruction, and special crime scenes, such as mass disasters and terroristic events. Written by an international trio of authors with decades of crime scene experience, this book is the next generation of crime scene textbooks. This volume will serve both as a textbook for forensic programs, and as an excellent reference for forensic practitioners and crime scene technicians with science backgrounds.

Evaluations of a defendant's competence to stand trial (CST) are probably the most frequently performed forensic evaluations, with estimates in the United States ranging from 60,000 to 70,000 annually. In order for CST evaluations to be considered thorough and accurate, examiners must assess for possible lack of cooperation, feigning, or malingering - the intentional production or gross exaggeration of false or grossly exaggerated physical or psychiatric symptoms, motivated by external incentives. Yet, there are accounts that CST examiners often do not assess for negative response bias, and even if they do nevertheless fail to identify a considerable number of examinees that do feign. Assessing Negative Response Bias in Competency to Stand Trial Evaluations provides readers with a comprehensive guide to assessing whether a defendant has feigned mental impairment during a competency to stand trial evaluation, or simply did not put forth his/her best effort. This book reviews the literature on assessing feigning and negative response bias, with particular focus on issues, tests, and data relevant to CST evaluations, and examines proposed criteria and statistical methods of determining and classifying assessment results. It introduces readers to aspects of the vibrant neuropsychological response style literature, an area many forensic psychologists appear to have overlooked. Additionally, it offers recommendations for research and policy regarding the parameters of CST assessment.

In the course of researching her best-selling books, McDermid has become familiar with many branches of forensics, and now she uncovers the history of this science and the people who make sure that for murderers, there is no hiding place. Forensic scientists can unlock the mysteries of the past and help serve justice using the messages left by a corpse, a crime scene, or the faintest of human traces. Now available in paperback, Forensics goes behind the scenes with some of these top-level professionals and their groundbreaking research, drawing on original interviews and firsthand experience on scene with top forensic scientists. Along the way, we discover how maggots collected from a corpse can help determine time of death; how a DNA trace a millionth the size of a grain of salt can be used to convict a killer; and how a team of young Argentine scientists led by a maverick American anthropologist were able to uncover the victims of a genocide. The journey takes us to war zones, fire scenes, and autopsy suites, reveals both extraordinary bravery and true wickedness, as we trace the history of forensics from its earliest beginnings to the cutting-edge science of the modern day.

Crime Scene Processing and Investigation Workbook, Second Edition is the only workbook which directly supports and cross-references methodology and terminology presented in Ross Gardner and Donna Krouskup's perennial best-seller Practical Crime Scene Processing and Investigations, Third Edition. The workbook serves as supporting material offering hands-on activities to supplement theories and methodologies within the text as well as updated activities to support the new material presented in the Third Edition. As the number of forensic academic programs within the United States continue to grow-and the textbook continues to be a go-to standard in the field-the workbook remains an invaluable reference for academics, forensic training providers, and law enforcement training programs. The detailed Instructor's Manual (IM) lends itself not only to experts who have utilized these procedures before but also to the novice and student who may be introduced to these topics in a classroom setting for the first time. The workbook conducts over 30 activities with detailed instructions, concept overviews, and reflective post-lab questions. Crime Scene Processing and Investigation Workbook, Second Edition, continues to stand as the best workbook on the market, addressing foundational principles in a hands-on manner while directly correlating to the concepts addressed in the Gardner and Krouskup textbook.

Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal Investigations, Third Edition continues in the tradition of the two best-selling prior editions and maintains its status as the single-most comprehensive book on Forensic Entomology currently available. It includes current, in-the-field best practices contributed by top professionals in the field who have advanced it through research and fieldwork over the last several decades. The use of entomology in crime scene and forensic investigations has never been more prevalent or useful given the work that can be done with entomological evidence. The book recounts briefly the many documented historical applications of forensic entomology over several thousand years. Chapters examine the biological foundations of insect biology and scientific underpinnings of forensic entomology, the principles that govern utilizing insects in legal and criminal investigations. The field today is diverse, both in topics studied, researched and practiced, as is the field of professionals that has expanded throughout the world to become a vital forensic sub-discipline. Forensic Entomology, Third Edition celebrates this diversity by including several new chapters by premier experts in the field that covers such emerging topics as wildlife forensic entomology, microbiomes, urban forensic entomology, and larval insect identification, many of which are covered in depth for the first time. The book will be an invaluable reference for investigators, legal professionals, researchers, practicing and aspiring forensic entomologists, and for the many students enrolled in forensic science and entomology university programs.

Stories of cyberattacks dominate the headlines. Whether it is theft of massive amounts of personally identifiable information or the latest intrusion of foreign governments in U.S. government and industrial sites, cyberattacks are now important. For professionals and the public, knowing how the attacks are launched and succeed is vital to ensuring cyber security. The book provides a concise summary in a historical context of the major global cyber security attacks since 1980. Each attack covered contains an overview of the incident in layman terms, followed by a technical details section, and culminating in a lessons learned and recommendations section.

Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal Investigations, Third Edition continues in the tradition of the two best-selling prior editions and maintains its status as the single-most comprehensive book on Forensic Entomology currently available. It includes current, in-the-field best practices contributed by top professionals in the field who have advanced it through research and fieldwork over the last several decades. The use of entomology in crime scene and forensic investigations has never been more prevalent or useful given the work that can be done with entomological evidence. The book recounts briefly the many documented historical applications of forensic entomology over several thousand years. Chapters examine the biological foundations of insect biology and scientific underpinnings of forensic entomology, the principles that govern utilizing insects in legal and criminal investigations. The field today is diverse, both in topics studied, researched and practiced, as is the field of professionals that has expanded throughout the world to become a vital forensic sub-discipline. Forensic Entomology, Third Edition celebrates this diversity by including several new chapters by premier experts in the field that covers such emerging topics as wildlife forensic entomology, microbiomes, urban forensic entomology, and larval insect identification, many of which are covered in depth for the first time. The book will be an invaluable reference for investigators, legal professionals, researchers, practicing and aspiring forensic entomologists, and for the many students enrolled in forensic science and entomology university programs.

Lessons can be learned from major fraud cases. Whether the victim is a company, public agency, nonprofit, foundation, or charity, there is a high likelihood that many of these frauds could have been prevented or detected sooner if early Red Flag warning signs had been identified and acted upon. Fraud Prevention and Detection: Warning Signs and the Red Flag System will enable officers and directors, internal and external stakeholders, as well as outside analysts to protect themselves and their organizations against fraud by effectively detecting, analyzing, and acting on early Red Flag warning signs. Based on an empirically tested strategy, the Red Flag System reflects the authors' more than 100 years combined experience in the investigation of fraud in high-profile, global cases in North America, Africa, Europe, and the Far East. Readers of this book will: Acquire a general awareness of the nature, characteristics, and dynamics of fraud Understand the process for determining whether a fraud has been committed Develop an understanding of enterprise risk management approaches for fraud risk management, compliance risk management, and managing the risk of fraudulent financial reporting-including an understanding of the limitations inherent in these approaches Learn how to find Red Flag indicators of fraud or suspicious transactions in financial statements, budgets, and contracts Know how to ensure that, once a Red Flag has been identified, appropriate action is taken Fraud can lead to significant financial loss as well as bad press and publicity with significant reputational impact for officers, directors, corporations, and their stakeholders. This book's no-nonsense approach empowers those charged with protecting organizations to stop these frauds before the organization's livelihood is jeopardized or to mitigate damage when fraud has occurred.

In the courtroom, critical and life-changing decisions are made based on quantitative forensic science data. There is often a range in which a measured value is expected to fall and, in this, an inherent uncertainty associated with such measurement. Uncertainty in this context is not error. In fact, estimations of uncertainty can add to the utility and reliability of quantitative results, be it the length of a firearm barrel, the weight of a drug sample, or the concentration of ethanol in blood. Measurement Uncertainty in Forensic Science: A Practical Guide describes and defines the concepts related to such uncertainty in the forensic context. The book provides the necessary conceptual background and framework-a baseline-for developing and deploying reasonable and defensible uncertainty estimations across forensic disciplines. Information is presented conceptually, using easily understood examples, to provide a readable, handy reference for scientists in the laboratory, as well as investigators and legal professionals who require a basic understanding of the science underpinning measurement results.

Neurocriminology: Forensic and Legal Applications, Public Policy Implications explores the dramatic impact of advances in neuroscience research and practice to our present understanding of criminality and crime control. Contemporary, cutting-edge research in neuroscience is cited and explained. Studies and cases are clearly and concisely outlined with potential uses for practical applications detailed. This will be framed in the context of criminological foundations, theory, and the notion of the nature of crime itself. This comprehensive and engaging book also delves into recent developments in modern neurology, and connections between neuroscience and its criminal, legal, and forensic implications and ramifications. The book poses various questions about what insight neurology can provide to human cognition, to motivation and-in particular-criminal motivation. From biological observations is there a pattern, or are there similarities, in what the brainscan of a criminal looks like? What are the treatment implications and are their valid assessments or treatments that can be used in a corrections environment to curb, or even modify, behavior definitively? And, ultimately, what are the moral, legal and social implications of all? Coverage throughout incorporates leading research that links neurological and biological factors to heightened risk for criminality. This includes coverage of suboptimal arousal (low heart rate), testosterone, neurotransmitters, and variations in MAOA-the so-called "warrior gene"-and more. Neurocriminology will offer a thought-provoking analysis of the broad-reaching implications of this science to better inform the prevention, investigation, monitoring, and control of crime. This includes the remarkable potential for neuroscience to serve as a resource and potential tool to criminology and penology researchers, psychologists, forensic psychologists, forensic scientists, legal professionals, and investigators of crime and criminal behavior.

Provides easy-to-follow flow charts that serve as procedural guide for scene investigations in most major types of crimes Presents the variety of different types of observable evidence encountered in real-life cases to inform scene investigators Offers methods for framing multiple hypotheses, using specific case examples, to factor in various considerations in crime scene reconstruction scenarios The discussion following each chapter forms a compendium of generalizations accepted in scholarly sources-a key enabler when testing the hypotheses

This is the first volume of an exciting new series, Current Legal Issues, which will be published each spring as a sister volume to Current Legal Problems. The basis for each interdisciplinary volume will be a two-day colloquium held each year by the Faculty of Laws at University College London. This first volume explores the interrelationship of law and science. Future volumes will examine themes such as law and literature, law and medicine, law and religion, etc. This book, the first volume of Current Legal Issues, explores the relationship of law and science, with a particular focus on the role of science as evidence. Scientific evidence impinges on a wide range of legal issues, including, for example, risk assessment in mental health and child abuse, criminal investigations, chemical and medical products, mass tort cases and the attribution of paternity. Science promises to reduce (or even eliminate) uncertainty; how should lawyers respond to such ambitious claims? As the civil justice process undergoes a major overhaul, this diverse and stimulating collection of essays provides a timely and thought-provoking reassessment of the relationship between law and science in general and the uses and value of scientific evidence in particular. From the Editors' Introduction This volume addresses the intersection between law and science, two monolithic institutions which generally compete for, but sometimes coincide in presenting, an authoritative analysis of the world. The contributors to this volume take different views as to who is the victor in this contest Science deals in objective reality; therefore it is for scientists to reveal as much as they can about reality, and for the law to determine what should be made of the discoveries. Perhaps this division of labour is too simplistic, but if it is taken as a model, it is apparent that law and science are bound together and that mutual understanding is essential. If this volume contributes to that understanding then it will have performed an invaluable service.

This book examines the roles played by narrative and culture in the construction of legal cases and their resolution. It is articulated in two parts. Part I recalls epistemological turns in legal thinking as it moves from theory to practice in order to show how facts are constructed within the legal process. By combining interdisciplinary paradigms and methods, the work analyses the evolution of facts from their expression by the client to their translation within the lawyer-client relationship and the subsequent decision of the judge, focusing on the dynamic activity of narrative construction among the key actors: client, lawyer and judge. Part II expands the scientific framework toward a law-and-culture-oriented perspective, illustrating how legal stories come about in the fabric of the authentic dimensions of everyday life. The book stresses the capacity of laypeople, who in this activity are equated with clients, to shape the law, dealing not just with formal rules, but also with implicit or customary rules, in given contexts. By including the illustration of cases concerning vulnerable clients, it lays the foundations for developing a socio-clinical research programme, whose aims including enabling lay and expert actors to meet for the purposes of improving forms of collective narrations and generating more just legal systems.

Offering state-of-the-art techniques for both attorneys and environmental scientists, Environmental Forensics: Principles and Applications discusses non-chemical methods such as corrosion modeling, inventory reconciliation, and aerial photography interpretation. The book also covers chemical fingerprinting used to identify the origin and age of a contaminant release- relevant techniques include the use of radioactive isotope analysis, degradation modeling based on half-lives, and fuel additives such as MTBE.
Environmental Forensics provides case study examples of environmental trial exhibits. It covers misused techniques that can bias the scientific validity of a trial exhibit, such as scale exaggeration, use of statistical manipulation, data contouring, and selective presentation.
Detailed information is provided for identifying and interpreting those portions of environmental reports that are "target rich" sources of scientific biases. These include the identification of false positive, false negative and the intentional manipulation of environmental data that occurs primarily in the sample collection process.

The value of the canine nose is well-documented, and working dogs are being utilized for their olfactory skills in an increasing number of fields. Not only are dogs used by police, security, and the military, but they are also now used in forensic science, in medical detection of disease, in calculating population trends of endangered species and eradicating invasive species in protected environments, and in identifying infestations and chemical contaminants. Edited and contributed to by eminent scholars, Canine Olfaction Science and Law: Advances in Forensic Science, Medicine, Conservation, and Environmental Remediation takes a systematic scientific approach to canine olfaction. It includes work from scientists working in pure and applied disciplines, trainers and handlers who have trained and deployed detection dogs, and lawyers who have evaluated evidence produced with the aid of detection and scent identification dogs. The book is divided into six sections covering The anatomy, genetics, neurology, and evolution of canine olfaction as well as diseases affecting it The chemistry and aerodynamics of odors Behavior, learning, and training Uses of canine olfaction in forensics and law Uses in conservation and remediation Uses in detection of diseases and medical conditions The various contributors describe cutting edge research, some conclusions of which are the subject of vigorous debates between various laboratories and researchers. The editors have added cross-references so that readers can consider the different perspectives that are currently being advanced and understand where consensus is being built and where more research needs to be done. A useful practical reference, Canine Olfaction Science and Law provides a wealth of information beneficial to a wide range of disciplines. It aids trainers and handlers of detection dogs as well as various professionals in healthcare, law enforcement, forensic science, and environmental conservation to gain a better understanding of the remarkable power of the canine nose while encouraging further advances in applications.

Professor Patrice MANGIN President of the XVlth Congress of the International Academy of Legal Medicine and Social Medicine The International Academy of Legal Medicine and Social Medicine was founded in 1938 in Bonn. The motive for founding the Academy was to promote associating and confronting on an international background the scientific research work produced in the various domains dealing with the Legal and Social Medicine. As first presi dent of the International Academy of Legal Medicine and Social Medicine, Professor Knud Sand from Copenhagen, assisted by colleagues of the Praesidium appointed as national representatives, succeeded in gathering together nearly the whole aca demic people involved in Legal and Social Medicine. Thus one year later, in 1939, The Academy became a worldwide institution of 450 members from thirty nations. After the war, what had been before of considerable interest for the progress of the knowledge and techniques in Legal Medicine remained again a pressing necessity leading to the second meeting of the Academy in 1947 in Brussels under the presi dency of Professor De Laet. Since then the meetings of the Academy followed one another every three years. At this point, I would like to thank all the past presidents of the Academy and in particular Professor Roche and Professor Andre for their contribution without which the Academy would not be what it is presently."

Discover the extraordinary role of plants in modern forensics, from their use as evidence in the trials of high profile murderers such as Ted Bundy to high value botanical trafficking and poaching. We are all familliar with the role of blood splatters or fingerprints in solving crimes, from stories in the media of DNA testing or other biological evidence being used as the clinching evidence to incriminate a killer. This book lifts the lid on the equally important evidence from plants at a crime scene, from the incriminating presence of freshwater plants in the lungs of a drowning victim, to rare botanical poisons in the evening gin and tonic, to exotic trafficked flowers and drugs. In Planting Clues, David Gibson explores how plants can help to solve crimes, as well as how plant crimes are themselves solved. He discusses the botanical evidence that proved important in bringing a number of high-profile murderers such as Ian Huntley (the 2002 Shoham Murders), and Bruno Hauptman (the 1932 Baby Lindbergh kidnapping) to trial, from leaf fragments and wood anatomy to pollen and spores. Throughout he traces the evolution of forensic botany, and shares the fascinating stories that advanced its progress.

Introduction to Forensic Sciences, Second Edition is the current edition of this bestselling introductory textbook. Dr. William Eckert, one of the world's foremost authorities in the area of forensic medicine, presents each of the distinct fields that collectively comprise the forensic sciences in a logical, relatively non-technical fashion.

Each chapter is written by a well-known expert in his/her respective field, and each specialty area is thoroughly treated. When appropriate, the various methods of applying these sciences in different countries are covered. Heavily illustrated, the Second Edition has been updated to include current procedures and techniques that were not available or usefully developed when the first edition was published.

Features include:

Fingerprint collection and analysis may be performed as part of many jobs, including crime scene technician, latent print examiner, criminalist, and lab supervisor. Regardless of one's specific background or role in the process, a knowledge of scientific practices is critical in handling and analyzing fingerprint evidence. The best way to understand the principles and concepts of any science learned in a classroom is to perform experiments. The exercises in Fingerprint Analysis Laboratory Workbook, Second Edition address all aspects of fingerprint theory, investigation, processing, comparisons, and research. Designed specifically to parallel the Fundamentals of Fingerprint Analysis, Second Edition textbook, the laboratory exercises correspond with the textbook chapters, with exercise in the lab chapter putting into practice the concepts covered in the text chapter. Each lab follows the same format, beginning with the objectives of the experiment and providing the background information necessary to perform the experiment. This is followed by a list of required materials, the lab exercises, and post-lab questions for students to test what they've learned. Many of the laboratory exercises may be completed either at home or in a laboratory setting. Exercises and photographs enhance the text, making it an ideal hands-on learning tool. New techniques and current practices added to the primary textbook have been included in this companion laboratory workbook to cover the latest in real-world application of fingerprint analysis science to practice.

Melding a pilot's practical view of life in the cockpit with the expertise of an engineering professor to give readers an insider look at plane crashes. One of the most amazing feats of modern life is the frequency with which airplanes safely take off and land: about 40,000 times a day in the United States alone. Commercial aviation is by far the safest mode of transportation and is becoming safer all the time. But on the exceedingly rare occasion that a plane does crash, comprehensive accident analysis, thorough investigation, and implementation of remedial actions significantly reduces the probability of an already remote event ever recurring. Plane Crash, an unprecedented collaboration between mechanical engineering professor George Bibel and airline Captain Robert Hedges, shares the riveting stories of both high-profile and lesser-known airplane accidents. Drawing on accident reports, eyewitness accounts, and simple diagrams to explain what went wrong in the plane and in the cockpit, Hedges provides invaluable insight into aviation human factors, while Bibel analyzes mechanical failures. No prior scientific knowledge is needed to understand the principles and procedures this book describes, only an interest in the view from what Captain Hedges describes as "the best seat in the house." Organized around the phases of flight-takeoff, climb, cruise, approach, and landing-this book is a captivating look at some of the most dramatic plane crashes of the modern age, including Asiana Airlines 214, Air France 447, and Malaysia Airlines 370. If you have ever wondered what goes through a pilot's mind as a flight takes a turn for the dangerous, what impact turbulence actually has on flight safety, or even just how the wonders of aeronautics work to keep passengers safe day in and out, Plane Crash will both fascinate and educate.

'Jim Fraser has been at the forefront of forensic science in the UK for decades... A superb story of real-life CSI.' Dr Richard Shepherd, bestselling author of Unnatural Causes 'Powerful... Fascinating' Independent Most murders are not difficult to solve. People are usually killed by someone they know, there is usually abundant evidence and the police methods used to investigate this type of crime are highly effective. But what about the more difficult cases, where the investigation involves an unusual death, an unusual killer, or is complex or politically charged? In these cases, bringing the accused before the courts can take many years, even then, the outcome may be contentious or unresolved. In this compelling and chilling memoir, Jim Fraser draws on his personal experience as a forensic scientist and cold case reviewer to give a unique insight into some of the most notable cases that he has investigated during his forty-year career, including the deaths of Rachel Nickell, Damilola Taylor and Gareth Williams, the GCHQ code breaker. Inviting the reader into the forensic scientist's micro-world, Murder Under the Microscope reveals not only how each of these cases unfolded as a human, investigative and scientific puzzle, but also why some were solved and why others remain unsolved or controversial even to this day.