Book Description
Step past the flashing lights into the true scene of the crime with Never Suck a Dead Man's Hand, a frank, unflinching, and unforgettable account of life as a crime scene investigator. Smart, sassy, and blessed--or cursed, depending on your point of view--with a stomach capable of working through the most horrific circumstances, Dana Kollmann details her true, unvarnished experiences as a CSI for the Baltimore County Police Department. Unlike the popular crime dramas proliferating on today's television networks, Kollmann's forensic tales forgo glitz for grit to show what really goes down once the yellow tape goes up.
With an informative, outspoken voice, Kollmann unveils the process and science of crime scene investigation in all its can't-take-your-eyes-away fascination. Whether explaining rigor mortis or the art of fingerprinting a stiff corpse on the side of the road, frantically brushing off a shower of roaches or pushing away a dead body, speeding to a horrific accident scene or cautiously entering a house of death, she shows what it's really like to work in the front lines as a forensics expert.
Vividly detailed and lightened by a disarming gallows humor, Dana Kollmann's true life-and-death experiences bring the sights, smells, and sounds of a crime scene alive as never before. She recounts stories that the cops and the CSI's usually leave on the field, far away from the delicate sensibilities of the average civilian--and forbidden from her family's dinner table. It's a strange world behind the yellow tape, and Never Suck a Dead Man's Hand offers a truly eye-opening perspective on the day-to-day life of a CSI.
Customer Reviews:
Ironic........2007-09-28
This book was intriguing, and especially for those of us brainwashed into believing the glamour behind crime scene investigation portrayed in television shows. Kickstart you into reality!
What's ironic, I went on a bus trip to New York City to see the Rockettes, and Dana came along with our group--she was friends and had worked with my sister-in-law's sister. So she was sitting there telling us all entertaining tales and gushing how excited she was her book was being published. Showed us the picture that would be on the jacket. I never thought anything of it 'til I saw it in a store, and how well it's doing. I spent four hours in a bus with something of a celebrity! And she's just as charming in real life, too. =)
Excellent, would recommend it.
Never Suck A Dead Man's Hand.......2007-09-12
I am a police dispatcher with Baltimore County and this book is great! Of course I can really relate to what Dana has written. So funny and so true!! Great Job Dana!!
This is what reallllllly happens..............2007-07-17
I was intrigued by the title just like you are. It's not a fake, get the book. I was lucky enough to see Ms. Kollmann in person at the library giving a talk on the book and I tell you she is even more entertaining in person. Forget what you see on CSI, ain't no tight skirts and button down shirts with chest hair on a real CSI scene....and what's that about 4 or 5 people teams going in at one time....nonsense. This book had me laughing out loud. Read it in two days and couldn't put it down. My recommendation is to get it. I might even try to go to a local CSI lab, just me and my dollar store trashcan with a liner.
Paints a more realistic picture of CSI...........2007-06-27
Kollman did an OUTSTANDING job telling the tale of the crime scene investigator. It isn't CSI: Miami, and those who think the TV show even remotely resembles real-life CSI work need to pick up this book and read it. Unlike the CSI TV series, there is more gore than glamour to the job, and you can bet that Kollman was never found walking around in a death scene wearing heels and a business suit.
For those who are not experienced in crime scene investigation, as long as you can tolerate very graphic descriptions of dead bodies and such, then this will be a good book to start with to get an understanding of what is involved in the world of forensics.
For those of us who have done crime scene investigation, there are several sections where you will find yourself laughing, nodding your head with the familiarity of what she is describing, and you may experience a little deja vu!
Either way, this book is a winner.
Witty, Informative, and Eye-Opening.......2007-05-12
With both a sharp wit and a sharp tongue, Kollmann's descriptive and creative writing brings to life the dead and dismembered in a way that keeps you interested and wanting to know more. It's appropriate here when they say that the truth is stranger than fiction; she speaks of a line of work so glamorized by Hollywood that the scenes in her book are refreshingly plain and gruesome, laughable and gut-wrenching; for those truly interested in the work and science behind CSI, her details and her comparative analysis of the real world vs. that of Sara Sidle and Gil Grissom is educational and humbling.
I do wish there was more of her personal timeline in the field. She jumps around a bit but, given the book is not meant to be a biography, it is simply a personal desire to read more about her long, strange trip.
All in all, this is a fabulous book that delivers exactly what the title promises. I hope to see more like this from Kollmann on CSI, archaeological digs, and other forensic adventures.
Book Description
Enter the world of the Las Vegas Crime Scene Investigation team in this definitive guide to the groundbreaking television series CSI. This guide includes character profiles, case studies, and focuses on character's forensic specialties. The close-up photography provides an in-depth look into the forensic work of the CSI team. This new title from DK was created in full collaboration with CBS.
Customer Reviews:
CSI: The Coffee Table Book.......2007-08-29
Good for reading once, then just takes up space. Pretty pictures of the cast, talks about the characters as though they were real people.
Nice pictures - little content.......2007-01-18
I thought the book was nice - great graphics, extras, etc. However, the book is small for the price.
Excellent Read.......2007-01-15
If you love CSI, this is the book for you. Loads of full color pictures and glossery terms explaining what all the terms those CSIs throw around really mean. Individually write ups on all the characters and just a really fun read. I highly recommend.
Ultimate CSI---The original title says it all........2007-01-11
This is a must have for fans of the CSI series. Has a nice layout and the pictures alone are worth the price of the book.
Great book.......2007-01-10
I loved this book, it covers all six seasons and then some. Gives some very good insight into the show and the forensics as well as the characters. I am so glad I bought it. I recommend it.
Average customer rating:
- Behind the scenes...the real forensic science info --fibers, hair etc
- Instructive but flawed due to lack of illustrations
- this book is a 10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Might be good to get your teen into reading science
- interesting, but gruesome, in some places, type of book.
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Forensic Science of CSI
Katherine M. Ramsland
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Crime Scene
ASIN: 0425183599
Release Date: 2001-09-04 |
Book Description
The CBS television show, "C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation," has captured audiences - and ratings - with its unflinchingly realistic details of forensic science, tools, and technology. This fascinating new book - written by an acclaimed biographer with a master's degree in forensic psychology - goes behind the crime-solving techniques dramatized on the TV show to examine the reality of these cutting-edge procedures.
From DNA typing and ballistics, to bitemark and blood pattern analysis, here are detailed accounts of the actual techniques used in today's crime investigations. Prominent experts in the field offer rare glimpses into cases ranging from missing persons to murder.
For fans of the television show, as well as true crime buffs and science readers - this is the real thing.
"With the mind of a true investigator, Katherine Ramsland demystifies the world of forensics with authentic and vivid detail." (John Douglas)
"Fascinating...this book is a must for anyone who wonders how the real crime-solvers do it." (Michael Palmer, New York Times bestselling author of The Patient.)
Customer Reviews:
Behind the scenes...the real forensic science info --fibers, hair etc.......2006-10-03
We loved this book-- on the back cover it asks about a half dozen questions like -- "how can a pair of glasses suggest murder rather than suicide?" and others-- and then goes on to explain how forensic scientists arrive at their final conclusions using all kinds of methods and analysis. The auhtor has a masters degree in forensic psychology and has published 15 books incuding biographies of such famous writers as anne Rice and Dean Koontz. She also spent a year as a research assistant to former FBI profiler John Douglas...and she writes forensic science articles for Court TV's Crime Library. Note that the book was not authorized, prepared, approved, licensed or endorsed by anyone in connection with the TV series CSI...The book is divided into 11 chapters and includes a good glossary, references section and index. Topics covered begin 1) Scene of Crime and end at 11 Evidence Response and in between include 2) handling bodies 3) ID unknown 4) Traces, 5) We have a Match 6) Science v Intuition 7) Elements of Reconstruction 8)Criminal Logic and 9) Varieties of Deception and 10 Forensic puzzles. I especially like the boldface sections of the book where the author adds some historical perspective ie how the coroner system evolved etc. She certainly demystifies lots of the science of forensics and explains what's fact-based behind some of CSI's most watched shows. Did you know that Iodine fumes are used to bring up latent fingerprints-- well after reading this book you'll know lots more about forensic science...and it's great cocktail chatter too....
Instructive but flawed due to lack of illustrations.......2005-10-07
The hit TV series CSI has spawned interest in forensic science in the public. This book shows you how forensic works in reality, from fingerprint and DNA to blood spatter pattern analyis.
It is not an episode guide to the TV show with some explanations tagged on, as another reviewer wrote. The book uses the CSI show merely as an angle to introduce the general reader into this interesting topic. You will surely find much of interest here, even if you have never seen an CSI episode. Author Katherine RAMSLAND also clearly points out where the series does not get it right:
* forensic investigations take much more time in reality (whereas in the TV show uses some artistic licence due to narrative necessities)
* crime scene investigators don't interrogate suspects
* proceedures and tests, which look rather easy in the show, are difficult and time consuming.
I liked the methodological approach of the book: It starts with the definition of a crime scene, details the investigation from the inital response of law enforcement personel to the processing of the scene all the way to what happens during the autopsy and in the crime lab. It gives you a good insight into what crime scene investigators do (the kits, equipment and tools they use, what legal and scientific proceedures they have to adher to, how evidence is collected, preserved, investigated
and stored, what happens at the lab and so forth) without being overly technical.
As mentioned above, the angle author Katherine RAMSLAND uses is the CSI TV show. So there are often references to the show, what tests GRISSOM and his team used and they are explained in detail without being overly technical. The book is interspersed with references to real crimes (I was surprised to see how many CSI episodes were apparently inspired by true crimes!) and how forensic science helped to solve them.
The author also points out the psychological side in chapters on profiling and the use of psychological autopsy.
My main complaint with the book is the absence of any kind of illustrations. It is much more instructive when discussing the e.g. various kinds of fingerprints and blood spatter patterns and to actually see some pictures of samples, let alone the equipment in a crime lab. I mean, who knows what a gas chromatograph looks like? Also some kind of diagramms or illustrations would have been helpful with some of the scientific tests. The complete lack of pictures makes the book occassionally a bit dry at times.
this book is a 10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2004-03-24
this book tells you everything you need to know about forensics. It is the best science text i have ever read. from the scene to the autopsy table, it has it all. if you like the show CSI and the CSI books by Max Allen Collins, you'll love this! it gives you real life examples, lists , and explanations on every page. it also has an awesome glossary and reference. LOVE IT!!!!!!
Might be good to get your teen into reading science.......2003-11-17
I found this book to be marginal at best. That may have something to do with my education and the amount of reading I have done in real forensics books. It would be a good read for teens interested in a possible career in this field, or for adults whose primary exposure is through the TV series. I'm sure that the writer knows much more than is in this book, and I would like to see a more in-depth coverage written for those who aren't in medicine or law enforcement but who have a genuine interest in the science. If your teen likes the show, it might be an excellent way to get them interested in reading science outside of that dull text from high school.
interesting, but gruesome, in some places, type of book........2003-10-21
This book, part series guide; part primer on forensic science, gives some of the scientific background to C.S.I.. (Crime Scene Investigation) and now, also, C.S.I. Miami, as well as other movies and shows; where science and criminology meet. Gives fairly good explanations, although some are left out, maybe because anyone who watches these shows has heard terms, for example, "bindle" [a piece of paper or some small envelope, used for evidence collection]. Some of the "real life" cases, as contrasted to some of the episodes, are pretty gruesome and not recommended for everyone. Great for fans of the shows [like me] or anyone moderately curious about how some crimes are solved.
Book Description
Two National Forensic Science Institute administrators invite readers into what the Washington Post calls "the Harvard of hellish violence"-the only hands-on CSI school of its kind where students are trained in burial recovery with actual human remains. With exclusive access to a world normally off-limits to the public, this is the first book to go behind the scenes of the ten-week course that discloses the uncensored realities of burial exhumations and the fascinating art of forensic investigation.
Customer Reviews:
The Real CSI.......2007-07-17
The creators of the NFA in Tennessee did police departments in this country and the world a great service. Opened my eyes to the innovation and genius of the pioneers in this field.
For any CSI show fans this book tells you the real story about forensic science. The world of a CSI is not as glamorous as the TV networks want you to believe. And with an upcoming shortage in forensic experts this book is a wakeup call that we need to encourage more people to go into this line of work if we want to continue to catch criminals.
A detailed peek inside the National Forensic Academy.......2007-05-12
The College Of Carnage. The Harvard Of Hellish Violence. The National Forensic Academy has earned many nicknames from its students. In this book, you'll find out why.
'Bodies We've Buried' takes us from day one of classes at this esteemed institution through all ten intensive weeks (two and a half months) of the program. From how to properly use a camera through an extremely detailed description of an actual autopsy (put on a glove and come feel this), the steps of a CSI investigator are outlined chapter by chapter.
Down On The Farm, Diggin Up Bones, It's A Rigorous Job But Someone's Got To Do It, Vinyl Resting Place, Heart Strings, and Spatter Up! are the best chapters in the book, gruesome and filled with extremely grisly details. These are the chapters that focus on dead bodies, blood splatter, bones, and "human effluence" of crime scenes.
There are also chapters on arson and bombings. (Did you know that there are five degrees of burns and not just three? The last two occur after death) The leading chapters tend to be the most boring, like the authors were warming up to a subject. Stick through the details of photography and fingerprinting to get to the "meat" of the subject. The authors themselves tend to become more relaxed as the subjects get gorier. There's lots of pictures, though very few are of the gruesome nature (but look out, some of them are!).
The details of this book show the tremendous impact that a good CSI can have on a crime scene, and the problems that an untrained CSI can inadvertently cause. I can hardly imagine spending two and a half months in the intensive training program that these dedicated people go through. Though close to being a technical novel, I ate this book up in a single day - it's that interesting.
There's a detailed Glossary of terms, a "Who's Who In Forensic Investigation" giving specific titles of who handles what evidence, a Resources bibliography, Acknowledgements, and an extensive Index. If your truly into the field of dead bodies, then this book is worth the hardcover price, otherwise wait for the paperback. Also, check out 'Stiff: The Curious Lives Of Human Cadavers' by Mary Roach. Enjoy!
Great as a reference book too!.......2007-04-22
This gem gives readers a look inside the National Forensic Science Institute. This is where students are trained in burial recovery with actual human/animal remains. These are the things that are normally off-limits to anyone outside of law enforcements, medical fields, scientists, and the like.
***** Within these pages are detailed studies, complete with photos, on blood spatters, arson, organic decomposition, photo evidence, DNA, and so much more. It was written by two instructors, so all the information is dead on (no pun intended) and quite unnerving at times. I found this book to be so intense that I could have almost used it as a textbook. With the photos to show me exactly what was being explained (in text) to me, I could easily see everything being played out in my mind's eye.
This is all VERY realistic and hard-hitting even though I was never (physically) at any real crime scene. One thing is for sure, I will never look at the world in the same way again. This book is going onto my Keeper Shelf and, I have no doubts, I will be referring back to it during many TV or movie scenes. (Why? To see if the evidence and the recovery of all the evidence, were really researched or simply thrown together in hope that no one above the intelligence of a slug would check behind the makers.) Highly recommended as a beginners reference or simply for those who want to know the truth. *****
Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
Great Product ** Fast Shipping ** Exactly as Advertised.......2007-01-19
Great Product ** Fast Shipping ** Exactly as Advertised
Lots of good information, too much ego. .......2007-01-12
I really loved some information the book, especially the chapter on bloodstain patterns, which is my specialty in the field.
The only thing I didn't like was the immense bragging. The authors make it sound like if you don't graduate from the NFA, you will have little luck in the forensic field. I'm sorry, but I'm a CSI who *gasp* did not go to NFA, and I'm pretty darn proud of myself.
They continually make it sound like their techniques are the only right ones, and I was nauseated by the end of it, not from the detailed autopsy walkthrough or pictures, but by the authors' ego.
Book Description
Dr. Henry C. Lee is considered by many to be the greatest forensic scientist in the world. His vast investigative experience (over 6,000 cases!) and participation in many high-profile trials have earned him not only the highest respect from the law enforcement community but also widespread public recognition. Here Dr. Lee once again gives avid fans of true crime an intimate glimpse into the real world of crime investigation, combining his unparalleled expertise with a clear and lively narrative. Beginning with the infamous Scott Peterson trial, Dr. Lee vividly recounts his investigation of the case, by focusing on the crucial issue of physical evidence. As a criminalist who examined the remains of both Laci Peterson and Conner, he brings a distinctive perspective and unique voice to the case, and weighs in on the verdict. Next, Dr. Lee considers the much-publicized abduction of Elizabeth Smart from her family's Salt Lake City home. After a fruitless ten-month search, Elizabeth was found alive in a Salt Lake City suburb with Brian Mitchell and his wife, both of whom appeared to be mentally unstable. Dr. Lee—who investigated this compelling case—demonstrates the importance of physical evidence in reconstructing this crime. He also describes the role of brainwashing and outlines distinct similarities with the Patty Hearst case. In the final three chapters, Dr. Lee examines the case of a novelist accused of murdering his wife-who had also been the suspected link to a similar death in Germany—where a woman also fatally fell down a flight of stairs; the murder of a man's wife in which both the husband and her lover are considered suspects (with an outcome that is guaranteed to shock!); and the killing of a witness of an accused arsonist shortly before his trial, with a stunning conclusion that derived from Dr. Lee's intriguing investigative work. In each case, Dr. Lee presents—in addition to an engrossing narrative—the scientific details of how law enforcement investigated the crime, using the most recent advances in modern forensic tools. This is a fascinating insider's look by a world-renowned expert into the pursuit of justice in some of the most sensational and intriguing criminal cases of recent times.
Customer Reviews:
A little bland.......2007-09-17
It's allright, but a little bland and dry. Not a whole lot of details at time. Had to 'force' myself to read on during some chapters. Really don't feel like I learned anything new about the Peterson or Smart cases or about forensics in general.
Brad
Good Overview of How Forensics Works in Real Cases.......2007-03-14
Dr. Henry Lee has worked on over 6,000 cases in his years as a forensic scientist. In this book, he details some of the work he performed during what are arguably the most high-profile cases of the last 20 years as well as a couple lesser-known cases.
The first cases, Scott Peterson and Elizabeth Smart are cases that almost everyone in America and even outside the country has at least some knowledge. Dr. Lee brings into more detail the investigation, from a forensic point of view, of the two cases. He highlights not only the forensic work, but the prinicpal of basic police investigation; secure the crime scene. In the Smart case in particular, there is a tremendous amount of scene contamination and in the Scott Petersen case you see how some evidence was not properly catalogued and the problems those missteps led to in court.
The third case, that of Michael Peterson is one that is very familiar to me, since it took place in North Carolina, but may not be as well-known as the first two investigations. It involved the death of Kathleen Peterson, the wife of Michael Peterson, who was found dead at the bottom of a set of stairs in their home one night. Michael claimed she had fallen after several glasses of wine and some prescription drugs, but the District Attorney believed he killed her, especially after learning his first wife also died from a fall on a stair case in Germany, where they were living at the time.
In this case Dr. Lee is actually called to testify, which gives us a glimpse, not only into the science but the art of forensics. Many folks are well-trained and can performing the myriad tests and evaluations that can be made on hair, fiber, and blood evidence taken at a crime scene. One of the Dr. Lee's strengths, is in his ability to explain the information gleaned from the sometimes scant evidence and what is shows in easily understood terms.
The final two cases were not ones I was familiar with at all, having not been heavily covered by the media and not local to my area. They are nowhere near as complicated or questionable as the previous cases, but still give Dr. Lee a chance to explain more of the processes involved in forensics to the reader. One case, in particular, which started with the intentional burning of the Salisbury, MD Town Hall, opens one up to the aspects of a fire investigation and the special techniques required to determine if the fire was set or an accident.
One of the best parts of the book is when Dr. Lee stops the narrative to explain, to some degree, the science behind the particular evidence he is discussing. There is a good overview of blood spatter evidence and what is can mean. There is also a short discussion on what can occur during a fire and how that leads investigators to determine the origin of the blaze, the most important clue in an arson investigation. These overviews are by no means complete, but they do let you see just how much information can be gathered from a few drops of blood.
If you are looking for a book that delves deeply into the science behind forensics, visit Amazon.com and pick out one of the many criminal text books now available online. Dr. Henry Lee's Five Famous Cases does not purport to give you an in-depth knowledge of how forensic works.
What is does do, and I think handles well, is give you a glimpse into the real world of forensics. A place where answers don't come out of a printer in 20 minutes, where DNA does not eliminate all but the suspect, and where even the best police sometimes make mistakes. Five Famous Cases is essentially a book that lets you see why forensics is so important, but that even with all the modern science of blood spatter evidence, carpet samples, and shoe imprints, there is still a good deal of old-fasioned detective work that still has to be done in order for a case to be won.
Rather Disappointing!.......2006-08-22
Dr. Lee's book begins with the well-known Scott Peterson and Elizabeth Smart cases. He details all the evidence collected (and sometimes not collected), and takes readers from the crime to the trial. Unfortunately, forensic evidence did not play a role in either case. In Scott Peterson's case, Dr. Lee concluded that it wasn't the evidence that did Peterson in - rather his post-disappearance actions and court attitude. On the other hand, it was interesting to not that the original jury foreman was removed (reason unknown) - since he was both an attorney and an M.D. the jury might have been led to a greater focus on the inconclusive evidence and the verdict turned out differently.
As for Elizabeth Smart's nine-month disappearance, the case seemed to have been solved in spite of the Salt Lake City Police. Elizabeth's younger sister (in the same room when the kidnapping took place) was convinced that the man police suspected was not the one, identified the correct individual, and helped in the drawing of his portrait - thus, leading to Elizabeth's safe return. (The kidnapper and his wife were judged mentally incompetent for trial; nonetheless, they had brainwashed Elizabeth so much that she did not try to escape, and originally denied that she was the one everyone was looking for.)
The third case involved an individual whose wife was found dead at the bottom of the stairs. While Dr. Lee was called as a witness for the defense, it was not enough to overcome the eerie fact that the defendant's first wife had similarly died, and that her injuries seemed to great for having simply fallen part-way down the stairs.
The fourth case was quite straight-forward - an arson, followed by the murder of a key witness, and the fifth, while rather salacious, was also not that challenging.
A long-overdue focus on his famous works and methods.......2006-07-25
Dr. Lee is one of the foremost forensic criminology researchers in the world, having worked on over 6,000 cases and participated in many high-level trails with his evidence, so DR. HENRY LEE'S FORENSIC FILES is a long-overdue focus on his famous works and methods. Beginning with the latest headliner Scott Peterson trial, Dr. Lee focuses on how he investigated the physical evidence in the case, then moves on to the Elizabeth Smart abduction and other notable cases. Chapters survey how physical evidence is reconstructed and applied to the case in this intriguing true crime survey.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Book not consistent with evidence.......2006-07-12
I do not know about any of the other cases, but I know the Michael Peterson case well. The photographs in the book are not consistent with the photographs I have from the crime scene. The defense ridiculed the prosecution because they did not have photographs of the footprints in blood. So where did that photograph come from? Testimony in court indicated that the blood spatter was behind--not on--the chair lift as indicated in this book. The footprint in this book shows a foot clearly wearing socks. Those socks would be covered in blood. However, the socks in the crime scene photograph clearly indicate socks that are spattered with blood not socks that have walked in blood. Because of these inconsistencies in this one case, I view all the other material in this book with great skepticism.
Average customer rating:
- Drug on for just a little too long....
- Good Kaminsky--overlook the TV aspect
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Blood on the Sun (CSI: New York)
Stuart M. Kaminsky
Manufacturer: Pocket Star
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ASIN: 1416509585 |
Book Description
Detective Mac Taylor is a dedicated crime scene investigator who believes that everything is connected and everyone has a story. He and Detective Stella Bonasera lead a team of crack forensic experts through the gritty and kinetic world of New York City as they piece together clues and eliminate doubt to ultimately crack their cases.
A modest home in a suburban Queens neighborhood is the unlikely site of a grisly crime scene: a married couple and their daughter are found brutally murdered. Missing from the scene is the couple's young son, and Mac Taylor and Danny Messer soon uncover signs of a possible kidnapping. Can they find him before it's too late?
In a heavily Orthodox Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn, the body of a devoutly religious man is found ritually displayed on the floor of his synagogue. Stella Bonasera and Aiden Burn initially suspect a fringe fundamentalist group that has had run-ins with the victim's congregation, but the group is led by a charismatic and antagonistic man who does everything he can to stonewall the team's investigation.
Two very different crimes, with one thing in common: CSI investigators who won't stop until they uncover the truth.
Customer Reviews:
Drug on for just a little too long...........2006-11-02
I liked this book, don't get me wrong! I just felt like the last 60 or so pages were completely pointless and served only to drag the storyline out. It almost seemed like Kaminsky thought he gave too much away too soon and then tried to come back and fix it.
I did enjoy the book, particularly the themes concerning the Jewish faith that weaved their way throughout. The stalker theme seemed a little forced to me, and I would have liked to see the mystery last a little longer on that front.
Overall, this was a good book. There are some inconsistencies with the characters that viewers of CSI: NY may or may not pick up on. The timeframe for when this book is set is also a little inconsistent with character developments that viewers will be aware of, if, of course, they catch the timing indicators.
I enjoyed this book and read it in a matter of a few days (if it was bad, I wouldn't have finished it quickly). It's a good story, though, as I said, it feels a little forced toward the end.
Good Kaminsky--overlook the TV aspect.......2006-04-25
When I first heard about this book, I said, "Oh, no; Kaminsky's whoring himself out to the TV people." He has, of course, written TV material before, but I always thought his Lew Fonesca and Abe Lieberman books were far superior. (I was in Sarasota a while back, and I went to Fonesca's corner late one night and saw the Dairy Queen. Very spooky!).
As it turns out, Kaminsky wrote this "CSI" book with his usual aplomb, and it's a good one. But it's a lot more gory than his usual stuff--in keeping with the theme of the show--with lots of forensic details, etc.
There's a Jewish theme--which is Kaminsky's home turf--running through the story, and it makes for an interesting crime scenario.
This book is more formulaic than usual, due to requisite demands of a TV series, but Kaminsky is a still a great storyteller.
Book Description
** COMPLETELY UNAUTHORIZED **
This selection of smart, accessible essays covers CSI's cutting-edge science, intriguing mysteries, and engaging personal dynamics. Essays from experts in the field illuminate such processes as DNA testing, ballistics, crime-scene photography, and autopsy procedure. With pieces that focus on the leads' varying appeals, the history of forensics on television, the show's treatment of alternate sexualities, and whether the incredible attention to detail actually gives criminals an advantage, this anthology provides an in-depth investigation that enriches the viewing experience.
Customer Reviews:
From one of the chapter authors.......2006-10-21
This book contains a variety of viewpoints regarding the CSI series, some of the differences between "real life crime scene investigation" and that on television, and the CSI series' impact on our lives. The second chapter, titled "The CSI Effect" was written by one of the original CSIs (yours truly), who worked at the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department when CSI creator Anthony Zuiker was riding with Crime Scene Analysts (CSI) to conduct research for his pilot and initial series episodes.
A three-part definition and detailed description is provided for the "CSI Effect". One part of the chapter, "Why Cops, Prosecutors, and Real CSIs Hate the World's Most Popular TV Show" asks and answers some very candid questions directed to law enforcement professionals.
If you love CSI, this book is definitely for you. If you don't like the shows, I dare you to read the book. I'm sure you'll come away with a different perspective.
Book Description
Using the latest modern technology available to forensic science, crime scene investigators answer questions others never even thought to ask. Here are over 30 fascinating modern cases of forensic detective work, featuring the whole range of forensic techniques: genetic fingerprinting, blood splatter analysis, laser ablation, toxicology, and ballistics analysis. The investigators trust only the evidence to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves: the victims.
These cases, usually successful — but sometimes dangerously flawed — offer a remarkable insight into real-life crime scene investigation.
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
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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.
Book Description
A crime writer who thought he could handle anything confronts the worst of everything. Violent and unattended deaths...suicide...forensics...viral pathology...crime scene myths...The stories behind Aftermath, Inc. are stranger than fiction, and utterly human and compelling.
Like most people, true-crime writer Gil Reavill had never actually experienced a fresh crime scene. That is, until he met Tim Reifsteck and Chris Wilson, owners of Aftermath, Inc., a company in the new field of "bioremediation." In the mid-80s, when a sea change occurred in the way biohazard clean-up was handled, no one in traditional cleaning or janitorial services would come within ten feet of a blood-spattered crime scene. Into this void stepped lifelong friends Tim and Chris, who filled a desperate need by founding their company. For the guys of Aftermath, no crime scene is too bloody to clean.
Aftermath, Inc. traces their history, introducing their clients and employees, and the cops, coroners, and detectives they encounter in their work. Gil goes on scene and works side by side with the Aftermath technicians. He tells the stories that led up to some of Aftermath's most grisly clean-up jobs, taking us on a journey through the suburban Midwest where the company is based, home to some of the quietest, calmest, most ordinary blocks in the world, which hide much darker undercurrents beneath.
The issues that the Aftermath crew members face on a daily basis range from the mundane (What's the best way to suppress the urge to regurgitate?) to the lofty (How does being exposed to death on a daily basis alter one's personal philosophy?). Reavill approaches his task with respect and compassion, taking as his mantra a line from the Roman poet Terence-- "Nothing human is foreign to me."
Customer Reviews:
Self-Absorbed Puff Piece for Aftermath, Inc........2007-09-08
What you do expect it will be like to clean up after a crime scene where there's been a horrible amount of death, gunfire, and tear gas used? You'll see some pretty ghastly remnants, right? You'll be nauseated, right? You'll need to protect yourself from harm, right? You'll have to throw most everything away in some appropriate way, right? You'll think a lot more about mortality, right? Okay, you already know most of what you'll learn by reading this book. But if you want more details, the book will provide them for many kill sites.
If you are also fascinated by what it's like if someone dies and isn't discovered for months, you'll add new knowledge of what will happen to the surroundings and how hard it will be to remove the leftovers.
Why do people do this kind of work? The owners make a lot of money. The work pays well for the independent contractors they hire, when they can get work. Some people enjoy helping grieving families during such difficult times. Are some of them ghouls? Probably, but the book doesn't address that point. What did you expect to find out?
What the industry like? The book doesn't really look into that except to point out that some insurance companies will insist that ordinary cleaners be used who may not get out all of the remains.
Mr. Reavill seems to have been overwhelmed by his experience and bonded with those who took him into the horror scenes. Neither reaction is surprising, but it doesn't make for such a great book.
I hope someone will write a better book on the subject. I'm sure there will be a lot of interest.
Gross and engrossing.......2007-09-01
I first heard about this book on NBC's "The Today Show." It piqued my interest, as I had seen a documentary about this type of business a while ago. I have a morbid interest in this kind of thing and thought it would be an interesting read. I wasn't disappointed.
The book is written in an entertaining and even humorous manner, which is appreciated given its "grave" subject matter. The book provides graphic details about cases that the Aftermath techs have had to clean up, everything from shotgun suicides, to bleed-outs from diseases, to a guy who was chopped up in a jet engine. It is surprising to read in just how many weird and gruesome ways human beings can depart this Earth.
The Aftermath guys rarely see the bodies, but clean up what's left of them. If reading about body fluids, maggots, the process of decomposition, and the stench of decay is interesting to you, then this book provides details galore. It also gives a kind of sad commentary on the savage nature of humanity as it details grisly murders perpetrated by relatives against each other - son against parents and siblings, mother against children - and of course stranger upon stranger as well. Not only murders but unfortunate accidents and plain old deaths from natural causes are covered in the book.
Death is "the last taboo" and this book covers the topic unabashedly. It is really a fascinating read, written in a conversational style that is easy to read. It is a book for those who are interested in the physical process of death. There is nothing spiritual about it, though the cases are handled with the utmost respect in a dignified and business-like manner.
Glib, Yes, But Highly Entertaining!.......2007-08-25
While I really enjoyed this book, I'm curious about the author's claim on the back jacket that he collaborated on the New York Times' bestseller "Beyond All Reason: My Life with Susan Smith." While there was a co-author on this book, written by Smith's husband, it wasn't Reavill. That aside, I think Reavill is excellent when he's writing straight journalistic accounts of murders and crime scenes. I don't think he does as well when he regresses to a blog-style of writing that is best left on the internet. I fear that such writing only degrades real journalism. It can be incorporated, but not in the bloggy style Reavill does. That's when the book falters. Otherwise, really fun facts and stories.
Not Particularly Impressive. .......2007-07-17
Shows an almost complete lack of empathy. Lacks significant detail or research on a lot of points, and comes across as self-interested far more than focused on the story of either the company or the job they do. I would not like this guy to turn up at my death or that of anyone I knew, although the company he describes seems both reliable, professional and sensitive, probably worth overlooking this guy's callousness. Reading this made me feel a little bit grimy. I think the word for this book would be disreputable.
There were bits that were good, but on the whole it's neither well-written nor compassionate. I'm actually sorry I read it and would not recommend it. It's not particularly gross, although I definitely would not recommend it to anyone squeamish. "Gross" requires some feeling, some emotion; the most I got from this book was a mild sense of distaste for the book itself.
Fanatsy Land.......2007-07-08
I'm asking myself if the writer was paid by AFTERMATH to write this book. The writer admits to Federal laws being violated relating to his training, or lack of. The writer also leads you to believe that AFTERMATH started the crimes scene cleaing business. It's unfortunate the writer didn't do some junior high fact finding. Crime scene cleaning as an industry was started in Arizona in 1985, fourteen years before AFTERMATH even heard of it! As a writer Gil Reavill needs to revaluate his bias as a professional writer.
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- Sex and the Perfect Lover: Tao, Tantra, and the Kama Sutra
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