Forensics: The Anatomy of Crime

by Val McDermid
Forensics: The Anatomy of Crime cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Nonfiction
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  • ID: 878
  • Added: 2025-09-21
  • Updated: 2025-11-28
  • ISBN: 9780802191052
  • Publisher: Open Road + Grove/Atlantic
  • Published: 2015-07-07
  • Formats: 23
  • Reviews: 3

Forensics by Val McDermid offers a fascinating journey into the world of criminal forensics, from its early beginnings to the cutting-edge science of today. Through interviews with top professionals and groundbreaking research, McDermid reveals how forensic scientists use the messages left by a corpse, a crime scene, or the faintest human traces to uncover the truth. The book delves into the history of forensics, showcasing how maggots can determine time of death, how minuscule DNA traces can convict killers, and how a team of Argentine scientists uncovered genocide victims. Prepare to travel through war zones, fire scenes, and autopsy suites as McDermid explores both extraordinary bravery and wickedness. This book not only serves justice but also provides a deep understanding of the science that makes it possible.

Reviews
Low Fell Library · 2020-10-12
insightful 4.20

The book is praised for its comprehensive exploration of forensic science, drawing on interviews with professionals and ground-breaking research. The reviewer finds it to be a well-researched and insightful read.

The reviewer from Low Fell Library commends 'Forensics: The Anatomy of Crime' for its thorough exploration of forensic science. They appreciate the inclusion of interviews with top-level professionals and ground-breaking research, which adds depth to the book. The reviewer finds the book to be well-researched and insightful, providing a comprehensive look into the field of forensics. The balance between scientific information and engaging storytelling is noted as a key strength, making it an enlightening read for anyone interested in the subject.

Quick quotes

    Forensics draws on interviews with top-level professionals

    Ground-breaking research and Val's own experience

    Lay bare the secrets of this fascinating science

CrimeReview.co.uk · 2015-04-18
intriguing 4.50

The narrative skills of the author keep the story intriguing despite the unpalatable subject matter. The reviewer praises the way the book makes the darkest aspects of forensic science engaging.

The reviewer at CrimeReview.co.uk highlights Val McDermid's exceptional narrative skills, which make the book's unpalatable subject matter endlessly intriguing. They point out that no matter how dark or gruesome the topic, the storytelling keeps the reader engaged. The book's ability to delve into the secrets of forensic science while maintaining a compelling narrative is particularly praised. The reviewer appreciates the balance between scientific detail and storytelling, making it a must-read for those interested in the field of forensics.

Quick quotes

    McDermid's narrative skills are such that no matter how unpalatable the subject matter

    The story she tells remains endlessly intriguing

    The secrets of this fascinating science are laid bare

The Guardian · 2015-04-10
chilling 4.00

The book is described as chillingly compelling, delving into gruesome details of forensic science with a gripping narrative. The reviewer finds the exploration of crime scenes and serial killers both fascinating and unsettling.

This reviewer found 'Forensics: The Anatomy of Crime' to be a gripping read that doesn't shy away from the more gruesome aspects of forensic science. The tales of maggot-collecting from corpses and probing the psyches of serial killers are presented in a way that is both chilling and compelling. The narrative is so engaging that it keeps the reader hooked despite the unsettling subject matter. The book's ability to make complex forensic details accessible and intriguing is highlighted as a major strength. The reviewer appreciates how the author balances scientific information with storytelling, making it a captivating journey through the world of forensics.

Quick quotes

    This is a chillingly compelling book

    Its tales of maggot-collecting from corpses and probing the damaged psyches of serial killers

    Definitely not for the squeamish

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