Stalemate (Eve Duncan Forensics Thrillers)

Book Description

Eve Duncan has turned down the job twice already. Her skill and devotion in identifying murder victims and helping bring their killers to justice may be world-renowned. But Eve works exclusively for law enforcement and the families of the innocent, and the man on the other end of the phone is many things—none of them law-abiding or innocent.

One of the world’s most wanted men, little is really known about Luis Montalvo except that he is extraordinarily dangerous and that he never takes no for an answer. Now he wants Eve’s help in the worst way. For he believes they have something in common—and he’s about to prove it with a grisly warning.

Eve will leave everything and everyone behind, even the man she trusts and loves the most, Atlanta detective Joe Quinn, to travel to Montalvo’s luxurious armed compound in the Colombian jungle to identify the skull he has recovered. She has agreed to this devil’s bargain to save an innocent family, but also for a reason she can’t admit to Joe, to the CIA, to anyone. For the man in the jungle has promised to be able to give Eve what she wants most of all—the key to unlocking the darkest and most painful mystery of her past.

But Eve is in more danger than she can imagine. As she gets closer to identifying the skull, she finds herself caught between two ruthless killers with no way out. Now, with everything on the line, Eve Duncan must make the most chilling choice of all. And if she’s wrong…she’s dead.

Customer Reviews:

Exciting.......2007-10-05

I thought this was one of the author's better efforts with the introduction of a possible new romantic interest and a great deal of real action. I hope to see that relationship develop and the action to continue.

Tedious and Repetitive.......2007-10-01

In the beginning I really liked the character of Eve Duncan, but as the series progresses, I find myself liking this character less and less.

Maybe its her tedious marriage/partnership/relationship with Joe or that the majority of the books in the series continually places her adoptive daughter, Jane, in danger.

This series is becoming tedious and repetitive. Stalemate is a boring read. I found myself struggling to finish it. Maybe it should have been titled Snoozemates. Instead of buying these novels save your money and check them out of the library.

The only saving grace to this atrocious mess was Luis Montalvo. Although he was a notorious Colombian arms dealer and written to be the antagonist, I found myself intrigued by this character.

Iris Johansen does such a wonderful job describing this character that he becomes sympathetic rather then a villain. Whether or not this was her intention, I found myself rooting for a relationship to develop between Eve and Montalvo.

This almost relationship is what brought a freshness to the story.

Nothing new or interesting happens. The Eve Duncan series needs to change direction or end.

Hopefully, not before I find out more about Luis Montalvo.

Tired of the Mercenary Plot.......2007-09-30

I've been reading Johansen's books for nearly ten years now. I liked the first few Eve Duncan forensic books but I am becoming increasingly bored with the whole mercenary plot that she continues to write about. She seems to be out of fresh ideas. The plots have become cookie-cutter to me...a female goes to the jungle (there always seems to be a jungle involved), a mercenary is one of the main characters, there's sexual tension between them, a rescue is needed, blah blah blah. Each one is becoming predictable. I probably won't pick up another one if it's anything like the ones before it.

Whiny, bossy heroine.......2007-09-29

I have seldom disliked a main character as much as i did Eve Duncan in this book. She was truly ridiculous and unbelievable. Montalvo was painted as a hard, cold, sinister character, but she starts bossing him around from the get go. It was bad enough on the phone, but once she is in his compound, it became ludicrous with her stomping and storming around, issuing ultimatums.

SPOILER

But when she insisted on going on the mission to the cemetery and Montalvo meekly giving in, that was it for me. These are hard men, trained, mentally ready for the terrible things that could happen, but they give in to this stupid woman at every turn, putting the lives of many men at risk with her self righteous nonsense.

And frankly, I have never felt any real love from her toward Joe. Just lip service. There is no chemistry whatever between them.

I've always liked Iris Johansen, but will never read an Eve Duncan book again.

Waiting for the Next Book.......2007-09-10

The Eve Duncan series is ful of searching for her daughter, and danger.

This book was much better then Countdown, but not as good as the first three.

As for the new possible love interest, I am tired of Eve and Joe their romance has played out to the end, and now it is time for her to venture out.

I want the next book to come out so I can see if Luis told her where bonniw is.

Average customer rating:

helpfull book for identification dead people
Excellent overview of methods for facial reconstruction

Forensic Facial Reconstruction
Caroline Wilkinson
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0521820030

Book Description

This book's major contributions include a detailed description of the Manchester method of facial reconstruction, using all the available published data on tissue depths and variation with age, sex, stature and ethnic origin. Caroline Wilkinson also includes an evaluation of the methods and problems associated with reconstructing the faces of children. Forensic facial reconstruction reproduces an individual's face from skeletal remains. Used when identification is otherwise impossible, it can give a name to the dead in forensic cases, or in archaeological contexts, provide a tangible impression of real individuals from our past.

Customer Reviews:

helpfull book for identification dead people.......2007-05-14

It is a practical studybook with a lot of information about facial recontructions and it is very good usefull next to the use of the book from Karen Taylors Forensic Art and illustration!

Excellent overview of methods for facial reconstruction.......2005-05-07

During my vacation I had time to read this book, and I was fascinated with the field of facial reconstruction. The first chapters give a good overview of the human face with some background of facial recognition and the history of facial reconstruction.

Then the relation between the hard and soft tissues of the face are discussed,, with the general face shape, nose, eyes, mouth, chin and ears and some measures of variation are given. This book also handles the accuracy of facial reconstruction with some nice examples from real cases. The book ends with juvenile facial reconstruction which is difficult (however one case in the Netherlands was solved with this method). Some people say that the facial reconstructions do not really have to reflect all of the face, and that people might become aware by showing a face that they are missing someone they know very well.

Flesh and Bone: An Introduction to Forensic Anthropology

Average customer rating:

Great starter book
Excellent primer...
Comprehensive and Well-Written
Comprehensive and Well-Written
A Solid, Informative Book

Flesh and Bone: An Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
Myriam Nafte
Manufacturer: Carolina Academic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Forensic Science | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0890896380

Book Description

Flesh and Bone: An Introduction to Forensic Anthropology offers the reader a solid background in forensic anthropology by out- lining some of the methods and procedures that best define the discipline. It introduces readers to the rapidly growing area known as forensic science, providing a comprehensive look at many of the participants in the field. Nafte avoids technical terminology whenever possible and includes photographs, charts, and illustrations to complement the text.

The book evolves sequentially, beginning with a discussion of all things forensic and then continuing to detail the broad field of anthropology, the process of death, decomposition, and skeletonization. Methods of identifying the human skeleton, DNA analysis, and the reconstruction of identity are highlighted. The final chapter deals with the modern application of forensic anthropology to human rights missions.

Customer Reviews:

Great starter book.......2007-03-16

This book is a really great introduction to anthropology and forensic anthropology. Highly reccommended.

Excellent primer..........2007-01-07

This book is a good place to start before reading other books about foresic anthropology. The photos help solidify an image for future readings.

Comprehensive and Well-Written.......2003-08-07

Myriam has compiled an excellent overview of forensic science, well-researched and documented.

Comprehensive and Well-Written.......2003-08-07

Myriam has compiled an excellent overview of forensic science, well-researched and documented.

A Solid, Informative Book.......2001-10-10

Flesh and Bone was required reading for my course in forensic anthropology. I found it very informative and interesting. I like how many of the legal terms were translated. The book has inspired me to pursue this field of study even further. I recommend it to students who are nervous about the sciences and cannot get through alot of technical terminology, and for those who are curious about crime scene investigation. The pictures are helpful even though some are quite graphic.

Average customer rating:

Perfect for the Student or Professional
Skull beneath the skin
A must have
Don't leave home without it...
Forensic Art and Illustration

Forensic Art and Illustration
Karen T. Taylor
Manufacturer: CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0849381185

Book Description

As the number of stranger-on-stranger crimes increases, solving these crimes becomes more challenging. Forensic illustration has become increasingly important as a tool in identifying both perpetrators and victims. Now a leading forensic artist, who has taught this subject at law enforcement academies, schools, and universities internationally, offers readers the benefit of her extensive knowledge and experience. Forensic Art and Illustration is the first book to provide complete coverage of all aspects of the field, and includes much previously unavailable information. Beginning with the first-ever in-depth documentation of the history of forensic art, this book proceeds logically through explanations of facial anatomy, practical methodologies and techniques, case examples, and a glossary of terms. More than 700 illustrations and photographs depict art methods used in identifying and locating crime victims and criminal offenders. Numerous successful examples, taken from actual solved cases, demonstrate applications of the methods and techniques presented. Ideal for both forensic artists who want to improve their skills and those who work with them in law enforcement, Forensic Art and Illustration is a practical guide as well as a complete look at the state of the art of forensic illustration today.

Customer Reviews:

Perfect for the Student or Professional.......2007-05-16

A great publication that touches upon all aspects of a career as a forensic artist. This book gives excellent incite to one whom wishes to persue the career or the professional using Taylor's knowledge as a reference tool. Also an excellent reference for anyone studying visual anatomy as well.

Skull beneath the skin.......2007-02-01

This is an excellent text book for the forensic artist. It gives a step by step instruction in recreating the face from the skull. It is also a good reference for writers interested in creating characters who have this sort of knowledge in crime solving.

A must have.......2007-01-18

This is the Bible of Forensic Art. I interviewed numerous Forensic Artists and researched many workshops ALL of which reccommended this book...I was not disappointed.

Don't leave home without it..........2007-01-12

Forensic Art and Illustration is completely indispensible to anyone serious about learning any aspect of forensic art, and also to the merely curious. I bought it because I had long been interested in facial reconstruction, and wanted to try it on my own. This book made the process remarkably easy, detailing how to build a stand to mount the skull on, lengths and locations of the tissue depth markers, and proper application of the clay, all accompanied by clear and easy-to-follow photos of Betty Pat. Gatliff's excellent work. There is also a very comprehensive section on two-dimensional facial reconstruction (largely Ms. Taylor's own innovation) that is worth the price of admission in itself.

The book is highly approachable, and accessible to anyone with even the vaguest interest in the subject. Every facet of forensic art (including its history) is covered in brilliant detail, so that the book serves as a truly practical manual as well as a fascinating read. Forensic Art and Illustration really is the gold standard in the field. Don't be caught without a copy in your forensic library.

Forensic Art and Illustration.......2006-11-10

This is an excellent book. It lives up to its reputation as the gold standard for its class.

Average customer rating:

Computer-Graphic Facial Reconstruction
John G. Clement , and Murray K. Marks
Manufacturer: Academic Press
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Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0124730515
Release Date: 2005-08-29

Book Description

This unique books looks at a cost-efficient, fast and accurate means of facial reconstruction--from segmented, decomposed, or skeletal remains--using computer-graphic and computational means.

Computer-Graphic Facial Reconstruction is designed as a valuable resource for those scientists designing new research projects and protocols, as well as a practical handbook of methods and techniques for medico-legal practitioners who actually identify the faceless victims of crime. It looks at a variety of approaches: artificial intelligence using neural networks, case-based reasoning, Baysian belief systems, along with a variety of imaging methods: radiological, CT, MRI and the use of imaging devices.

The methods described in this book complement, or may even replace, the less-reliable, more traditional means of securing identification by presumptive means, i.e., recognition of clothing, personal effects and clay reconstruction.

- Covers cutting-edge technologies in the context of historical forensic reconstruction methods
- Features stellar authors from around the globe
- Bridges the areas of computer graphics, animation, and forensic anthropology

Making Faces: Using Forensic and Archaeological Evidence (Texas a & M University Anthropology Series, No 1)

Average customer rating:

Don't expect a glossy, National Geographic look for this one...
fascinating
A fascinating blend of art and science
Fun reading, with occasional frustrations

Making Faces: Using Forensic and Archaeological Evidence (Texas a & M University Anthropology Series, No 1)
John Prag , and Richard Neave
Manufacturer: Texas Monthly Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0890967849

Amazon.com

Forensic archaeology has come into its own in recent years. The science has been making news in odd corners of the world for being used to identify the remains of long-lost Japanese soldiers on remote Pacific islands and for examining whether 19th-century American presidents might have met with foul play. In this accessible study, archaeologists John Prag and Richard Neave look into the world of "making faces"--reconstructing human forms from bits of bone, giving physical presence to the long-since dead. Among their subjects are King Midas of ancient Greek legend and the famous "bog man" of Lindow Moss, England.

Customer Reviews:

Don't expect a glossy, National Geographic look for this one..........2007-04-16

This book is a fascinating chronicle of the work of several major forensic reconstructionists from around the globe, and the major techniques they employ. The faces they are re-creating are those of men like Phillip II of Macedonia (Alexander the Great's father), King Midas, King Agamemnon, Egyptian mummies, and bog people. Seeing history coming to life under their masterful craft is deeply rewarding, though the pictures are not always of the highest quality. Some of the photos are grainy, and very few are in well-detailed color. Still, each photo captures something unique about the projects they are working on. A great deal of the book is given over to text describing the historical figures and then the forensic techniques. It's a wonderful selection for an astute student of history and reconstructions as a whole, and is a fresh look at forensic facial reconstruction (particularly 3-D) for those studying the field from a more law enforcement standpoint. As a University student in an anthropology program, as well as a forensic art class, I found this book to be a lovely merging of the two fields, bringing the past to life in a way that has only recently become possible.

fascinating.......2001-04-09

This book describes the author's techniques for reconstructing faces from skulls, both modern and ancient. the illustrations are wonderful, the text is very interesting. I would like to have seen a little more analysis of the weaknesses in the technique (mainly what author calls the "soft tissues," and possible approaches to increasing accuracy, or alternative versions of the same skull with soft tissue variations). this is a quibble, though.

A fascinating blend of art and science.......2000-12-02

The book provides an in-depth look at the collaborative work of John Prag, an archaeologist, and Richard Neave, a medical artist, whose dedication and rigorous methods have developed what has come to be know as the Manchester Method for facial reconstruction.

The book begins with a history of reconstruction methods to-date, with a brief look at how the skull was treated historically followed by a summary of more recent attempts to develop a systematic approach, mentioning a number of notable failures along the way. The second chapter is about techniques and the forensic evidence that they follow in order to achieve what in some cases are remarkable likenesses.

The next 11 chapters detail various projects they have tackled, including Egyptian mummies, an Etruscan lady, a Minoan priest and priestess and arguably the most significant, Philip II of Macedon, Alexander the Great's father. Each chapter goes into some depth about the historical background of the subject, the archaeology of the find and the specific, often daunting, challenges presented by the remains. These include often fragmented skulls, missing sections and even significant distortions caused by fire and other factors.

Although the book is aimed chiefly at the layman there is by necessity a fair amount of technical terminology - both medical and archeological - but this is not overdone. The notes at the back are extensive and are followed by recommendations for further reading referenced to each chapter; anyone interested in following up on any aspect of the various projects will have no shortage of material to seek out.

My main reservation is that it does tend to go perhaps into too great detail on side issues. It would also have benefited greatly from better editing and proofreading.

On the whole an interesting mix of historical mystery, drama, detective work and artistic insight.

PLEASE NOTE: the English edition (paperback only) is significantly cheaper from Amazon.co.uk (£7.99 currently - about $11.50!!), you would be well advised to order it from them.

Fun reading, with occasional frustrations.......1998-07-27

A book by two people who specialize in recreating faces of historical figures from their skulls. This book covers some of their best known reconstructions: Philip of Macedon (father of Alexander the Great), King Midas, and Lindow Man to name a few. Most of the discussion is great fun (especially re: Philip), but the authors occasionally get a bit tedious (most notably they repeat, over and over again, the injunction not to judge how a face while in the process of reconstruction).

Body of Lies (Random House Large Print (Hardcover))

Average customer rating:

LOVE IT
A lover's betrayal. . . A killer on the loose. . .
Flimsy plot
Tried twice...but no joy
not worth borrowing from the library

Body of Lies (Random House Large Print (Hardcover))
Iris Johansen
Manufacturer: Random House Large Print
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Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0375431586
Release Date: 2002-03-26

Amazon.com

Just as there are sculptors who insist they liberate forms imprisoned within marble and granite, Eve Duncan, the strong-willed heroine of Body of Lies, is a forensic sculptor driven by a need to liberate innocence from the shroud of death. Tops in her field, Eve obsesses over recreating the likenesses of faceless, decomposed murder victims, using only their bare skulls as a guide. It's a spooky career that began when Eve's own daughter, Bonnie, vanished and was later discovered, the girl's remains unrecognizable.

In Body of Lies, a killer uncovers a shocking truth about Bonnie, driving a rattled Eve to take a dangerous assignment in the darkest heart of bayou country. There, at the weird behest of a shady senator, Eve rebuilds the visage of the politician's late rival, a challenge that nearly results in her murder, strains her romance with a hard-bitten detective, and uncovers a fantastic global conspiracy over energy profits and much else. Wildly ambitious, Iris Johansen's Body of Lies inspires paranoia about the rich and powerful, though it gets unwieldy when Johansen's action writing and characters don't plausibly sustain the image of a secret society hell-bent on world domination. More effective are her bright supporting characters (especially Eve's Liverpudlian protector, Galen), bursts of descriptive wit, and insights into her wounded but dogged heroine. --Tom Keogh

Book Description

From Iris Johansen, the New York Times bestselling author of The Search and Final Target, comes a taut, fast-paced, and terrifying psychological thriller that pushes the level of suspense to the absolute limit–and beyond. This time forensic sculptor Eve Duncan finds herself matched against a killer who will challenge her skill, test her courage, and threaten her family.

As a forensic sculptor, Eve Duncan deals in death every day of her life. It’s her job. And while it might seem macabre to some, Eve knows from personal experience that her work, giving a face and a name to the victims of violent death, helps bring closure to their families. Now that job is about to put not only her own life on the line...but the lives of everyone close to her.

It begins with a call from a high-ranking government official. He wants Eve to drop everything and come to Baton Rouge to identify the remains of an unknown murder victim. At first, Eve wants nothing to do with the project. She has finally found peace from her own tragic past, living a quiet life in a small lakeside cottage with Atlanta detective Joe Quinn and her adopted daughter, Jane. But a stunning series of seemingly unrelated events is about to upset all that.

Suddenly, Eve’s hard-won new world is turned upside down, and she flees to Baton Rouge to take on the project of identifying the skeleton. Forced to work in secrecy, given only the sketchiest of information, Eve can’t help but wonder if the high-level security that surrounds her is meant to protect her–or imprison her.

She hasn’t even begun work on the reconstruction when the first death occurs. Someone totally ruthless, someone who can strike anywhere at any time, and with seeming immunity, is determined to put a halt to her work. Soon the questions–and the threats to her own life–begin to mount as Eve realizes she has stumbled into the heart of a chilling conspiracy.

There is only one person who can give her the answers she needs. And that is the dead man himself. To survive, Eve must put her life on the line to uncover the deadly secret of his identity and learn the devastating truth buried beneath a body of lies.

Download Description

A past she thought buried... a murder she was driven to solve...

Forensic sculptor Eve Duncan has been summoned to Baton Rouge by a high-ranking government official to identify the remains of an unknown murder victim. Eve wants nothing to do with the project. She has finally found peace from her own tragic past, living a quiet life with Atlanta detective Joe Quinn and her adopted daughter, Jane. Then a stunning series of seemingly unrelated events turns Eve's new world upside down.

A killer so deceptive, he leaves nothing behind but his victims...

Now, in a special government facility, she takes on the project of identifying the victim's skeleton. But she hasn't even begun when the first death occurs. Someone totally ruthless, someone who can strike anywhere at any time and with seeming immunity, is determined to put a halt to her work, her life, and the lives of those she loves. Eve has stumbled onto a chilling conspiracy. There is only one person who can give her the devastating truth... and he is already dead.

Customer Reviews:

LOVE IT.......2007-03-09

I LOVE IRIS JOHANSEN!!!! ALL OF THE BOOKS I HAVE READ OF HERS ARE GREAT!!!!! READ THEM, YOU WON'T BE DISAPOINTED!

A lover's betrayal. . . A killer on the loose. . . .......2007-01-14

A lover's betrayal. . . A killer on the loose. . .

Eve Duncan was actually happy. She had a man who loved her, an adoptive daughter as great as her own, and her dead daughter's bones were found and safely buried. But then a letter in the mail opens her eyes to a secret her boyfriend, Joe Quinn, kept for two full years. Now she wants away from him, and when a job opportunity in a different state presents itself, she packs her bags and leaves. On her first night in Louisiana, someone tries to kill her, and they won't give up until she's dead! Will she uncover the secret in time? Or will death silence her?

When I picked up this book I wasn't surprised it got high on every bestsellers list. It was moving a mile a minute and between the hired assassins, secrets, deaths, and conspiracies, I knew I was reading a great novel. And then, after chapter 5, the book came to a stop and decided to creep at turtle speed. The character of Eve Duncan became uncharacteristically naive and immature, while her 12 year old adoptive daughter Jane was acting like a 50 year old, smart and mature beyond her years. The book dragged all until chapter 12. Once chapter 12 begins, the book takes flight once again and the bombs (literally) start going off. The ending was good and though I thought it was predictable, it was still somewhat enjoyable. It wasn't as good as the first two books in that series, but it was better then the third.

Flimsy plot.......2006-08-25

Starting a series in the middle is always tough, but I'm a firm believer that readers should be able to enter the path at any point and feel welcomed. Johansen does a good job of giving enough of the backstory on her characters (forensic scluptor Eve Duncan, her adopted daughter Jane, and her live-in love Joe Quinn) that I understood what was going on.

She also set up an interesting plot line -- a body-less skull, a mysterious letter in the mail, a betrayal by Joe -- that I was pulled in immediately.

Unfortunately, that's where the good parts end. Eve is a narcissist who seems to act with little regard to her family, the other characters seem to exist solely to serve her will (doesn't Joe have any passions or needs of his own?), and the plot was splotchy and haphazard. Twists and turns appeared without any apparent foresight by the author other than, "Wow, this will fool 'em!" I was left with more questions than were answered. Not a good end to a mystery.

Tried twice...but no joy.......2006-08-18

Interesting premise...but no meat...no sense of physical place...almost all dialogue and that thin and not interesting enough to be memorable OR to fill in the story...thought I'd give it a second reading just to be fair...same/same...

Don't waste your money

not worth borrowing from the library.......2006-05-17

I was looking for a new author and saw that Iris Johansen was heavily advertised in a mystery/thriller book club flyer. I wasn't familiar with her, so I thought I'd pick up an earlier book (this one, Body of Lies, from 2002) at the library. I'm so glad I didn't buy her newer title! This is horrible stuff. A complete waste of time.

I'll keep searching.

Facial Geometry: Graphic Facial Analysis for Forensic Artists

Average customer rating:

Facial Geometry: Graphic Facial Analysis for Forensic Artists
Rober M. George
Manufacturer: Charles C Thomas Pub Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0398077703

Forensic Sculpting Step by Step in Photographs

Average customer rating:

good photos, bad editing
Amateurish at best

Forensic Sculpting Step by Step in Photographs
Seth Wolfson
Manufacturer: Lulu.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

Jurisprudence | Perspectives on Law | Law | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1411638255

Product Description

This book is a step by step how-to textbook and project workbook. You will learn to create a likeness from a skull of the actual person.

Customer Reviews:

good photos, bad editing.......2006-09-21

The author seems to be a pretty decent sculptor, but the book could definitely benefit from a spell-check! The typos are innumerable, and the writing not especially coherent. There doesn't appear to be much that is new here, and it seems to me that a published demonstration of forensic sculpture should feature more than a budget plastic skull, which may or may not even be cast from an actual human specimen. Stick with Karen Taylor or Caroline Wilkinson for very thorough descriptions of the American and Manchester methods of facial reconstruction (respectively) from renowned professionals. You won't be disappointed.

Amateurish at best.......2006-01-29

Mr. Wolfson has merely taken the content from another well-known and respected forensic art book, dumbed it down, and created a cheap imitation. Save your money for professional publications.

Average customer rating:

Forensic Facial Reconstruction
Caroline Wilkinson
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N6ZXZ8

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