Blood, Bullets, and Bones: The Story of Forensic Science from Sherlock Holmes to DNA

Description

From School Library Journal Gr 8 Up—The use of DNA evidence by forensic scientists to help solve crimes is a relatively new innovation. It was only in 1994 that the FBI created a database of DNA samples from convicted and suspected criminals called the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). However, the field of forensic science has been around for centuries. In fact, as early as 270 CE there was Zhang Ju, a Chinese coroner who wrote about the crimes he solved by examining the bodies of the victims. Using numerous real-life cases, Heos presents a riveting history of the evolution of modern forensic science. One of the first scientific tests ever developed in relation to murder was one for determining the presence of poison, in particular arsenic. This 18th-century breakthrough laid the groundwork for countless other developments in the quest to solve crimes. Heos deftly incorporates the stories behind many murders to illuminate advancements in areas such as fingerprint evidence, firearm and blood pattern analysis, and forensic anthropology (how bodies decompose). Also covered are the rise of the medical examiner, the advent of criminal profilers, and the development of DNA evidence. The text, with photographs sprinkled throughout, is gripping and easy to read but not for the faint of heart. VERDICT Sherlock Holmes lovers, CSI: Miami aficionados, and forensic science students will all be drawn to this rather gruesome yet highly entertaining and fact-packed history.—Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn Read more Review ★ “Sherlock Holmes lovers, CSI: Miami aficionados, and forensic science students will all be drawn to this rather gruesome yet highly entertaining and fact-packed history.” (School Library Journal (starred review))“Punctuated by fascinating photos, a smattering of educational asides, and astute pop-culture references (Dexter, Les Misérables, The Silence of the Lambs), and followed by a glossary of key terms, this is sure to appeal to wannabe FBI agents, budding history buffs, “armchair detectives,” and everyone in between.” (Booklist)“Vivid and occasionally gruesome but always engrossing.” (Kirkus Reviews)“Heos’s conversational text is forthright with the (sometimes disturbing) facts, but never sensationalized―keeping the focus squarely on the fascinating science.” (Horn Book Magazine)“For teens who haven’t ventured much beyond CSI, this will prove a solid and entertaining introduction to a compelling subject.” (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books)“A fascinating account of the history of forensic investigation from ancient times to the modern age, this easy-to-read, concise volume is by turns horrifying, amusing, and enlightening. Libraries serving young adults should definitely have this in their collections for fans of mysteries, science, and history.” (Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)) Read more