Just because you donat have all the tools and training of a full-time medical examiner, doesnat mean you canat learn your way around a crime scene.

In Forensics, award-winning author and TV show consultant D.P. Lyle, M.D., takes each area of forensicsafrom fingerprint analysis to crime scene reconstructionaand discusses its development, how the science works, how it helps in crime solving, and how you as a writer might use this technique in crafting your plot. This comprehensive reference guide includes: Real-life case files and the role forensic evidence played in solving the crimesA breakdown of the forensics system from its history and organization to standard evidence classification and collection methodsDetailed information on what a dead body can revealaincluding the cause, mechanism, and manner of deathThe actual steps taken to preserve a crime scene and the evidence that can be gathered there, such as bloodstains, documents, fingerprints, tire impressions, and moreForensics is the ultimate resource for learning how to accurately imbue your stories with authentic details of untimely demises.

In this world of crime-scene detection programs, mystery and thriller writers need to know at least the terminology of forensics to make their work realistic. Lyle, a cardiologist and mystery writer, provides the basic information that will keep writers from the most egregious errors. He covers the crime scene, blood stains, fingerprints, DNA and other popular themes. he also explains how one can tell if the deceased was manually strangled or hanged, how arson investigators work, the ways in which bodies decay and many other fine points of the study of murder. The book is written clearly with technical terms explained and simple drawings that educate without being gruesome. A bibliography, even of reputable websites, if not books and articles, would have been preferred to the advice that the reader search the Internet for keywords. Nevertheless, the book is a good starting point for writers or interested viewers and readers. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

The definitive reference on forensics for writers in all genres, Howdunit: Forensics covers the various fields of forensic science in easily understood, conversational language, supported with clear diagrams. Readers will uncover each area of forensics, such as fingerprint analysis or crime scene reconstruction, and learn the history of its development. This helpful guide reveals how the science works (in simple to understand terms), how long it takes for the coroner or crime lab to perform various tests, how it helps in crime solving, where common errors occur and how a writer might use this technique in crafting his or her plot.